Art therapy for cancer patients in north Antrim

The art therapy group will run each Thursday for six weeks from 30th January to 6th March at Flowerfield Arts Centre, from 11am to 12.30pm.

Brian Wallace, Art Therapist with Cancer Focus, said: “You don’t need to be artistic or have any experience in art to enjoy the benefits of art therapy. Art therapy can help people communicate anxiety or stress. In my experience many of those who come along to the group find the creative process relaxing and they can unwind and chat to others who’re in a similar situation. 

“We know that cancer affects everyone differently. It can make people feel that they have lost control, increase feelings of isolation and can often lower a person’s self-esteem. However, research has shown that creating art can have a positive impact - improving a patient’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. For many cancer patients this can result in a better understanding of their illness and in coming to terms with the disease and the future.” 

Mother of two, Helyn Kirkpatrick, who lives in the area, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 and found art therapy a tremendous help. “I saw the fliers for Cancer Focus’s art therapy when I was getting radiotherapy at Belfast City Hospital. I’ve had one-to-one sessions with an art therapist at the Cancer Focus care centre in Belfast and I also took part in group sessions in Ballymena and loved them,” she said.

“My diagnosis had, of course, been a complete shock and tough for the whole family. Art therapy gave me a bit of space and time in the middle of my illness to explore thoughts and feelings that I couldn’t talk easily about, even with loved ones. I hoped it would be an escape, and it was.

"I’m one of those people who can’t draw or paint, and I still only draw matchstick people, but I needed a way to express what I was feeling and art appealed to me because it’s so different from things I normally do every day.

“I like having a blank canvas. The art therapist said just draw a line and see where it gets you. You can be like a child daubing colours on a page – to copy something would have put me under pressure. I enjoy the freedom of using the materials, though I don’t remember creating anything that you would give a second glance to,” she laughed.

“It’s a very creative and relaxing process, although at times it’s very emotional. I enjoyed the privacy of the one-to-ones in particular - it wasn’t about talking, or didn’t appear to be. It was an anchor for my thoughts, feelings and fears at that time.

“The group sessions can be a great way to make new friends and you meet other people who are going through a difficult time. I was moved by some of the stories others told about their own personal difficulties, things that I hadn’t thought about.

“I’m delighted that this excellent Cancer Focus service has now come to Portstewart, making it much more accessible to people here. I found it so beneficial and I’d really encourage other patients to come along and try it.”

Cancer Focus’s Art Therapy sessions are entirely confidential and take place in a safe and caring environment. All materials are provided free of charge and participants can use a variety of mediums such as paints, pastels, pencils or clay.

 Anyone who is interested is asked to book as places are limited. To book please contact Joanne Boal at Cancer Focus on 028 9066 3281 or email joanneboal@cancerfocusni.org