Art sessions held for customers in Worcester to reduce feelings of isolation

Art sessions are being held for customers living in Dickinson Court, Worcester, to improve mental health and reduce isolation.

Many customers living at the scheme struggle with their mental health.

To combat this, we partnered with a charity called Headway who supported our Neighbourhood team in securing funding to provide support with tenancy related matters.

Headway, who are a specialist brain injury charity, aim to improve life after brain injury by providing vital support and information services. Many customers living at Dickinson Court have suffered brain injuries or have other disabilities which means they need support to manage their tenancies.

Headway are now increasing the support they offer us by providing art sessions for customers.

Neighbourhood Team Leader Andrew Nembhard said: “We are really pleased to see our customers engaging with the art sessions that Headway have organised and that customers are benefiting from the classes.

“It’s fantastic to be partnering with Headway, we’ve been working on support for our schemes together since last May.

“Headway have been an exceptional support to the Neighbourhood team during all three lockdowns through helping customers who have struggled with their mental health and have experienced crisis.

“We hope our customers continue to enjoy the sessions held by Headway.”

Any customer who lives at Dickinson Court can take part in the sessions and various customers have attended the sessions.

Art therapist and teacher at Headway Suzie Wilkie said the class is a place for respect, no judgement and encouragement.

She said: “Citizen customers have felt isolated due to Covid and the art group is one way of bringing people together. Making art together is an excellent way for relaxing, getting to know each other and building confidence and connection with others.

“After speaking to customers, we decided we would like to do a pop art style portrait project to brighten the place up, and this is what we will be working on in the sessions.

“I am enjoying running this group. We are all positive and helpful to each other, so the atmosphere is great.”

The sessions will continue until September 7 and Suzie added that she hopes the residents will continue with their art after this date.

One of our customers added: “I haven’t painted before and I am actually really delighted with this.

“I was told at school that I shouldn’t do art, that I wasn’t any good, so I am really pleased with this. I am taking photos and have a following on social media who I can show how my work is developing each week.”

Customers currently meet every week for two hours to take part in the art sessions.

For media enquiries contact our Communications Team.