In January 2017 Project Ability started a specialist programme of art sessions within Gartnavel Royal Hospital’s Intensive Psychiatric Care Unit (IPCU). Since then, tutor Tracy Gorman has been delivering weekly art sessions in the unit, available to all of the patients receiving treatment within this specialist ward.
“Sessions have been so well received by both the patients and clinical staff over the years and on a personal level have been hugely rewarding for me. These workshops have challenged me as a tutor to find ways to communicate and connect with patients, many of whom can be acutely unwell.
I feel privileged to have gained the trust of so many people over the years. The positive effects of producing art in this environment can often be seen over the course of a one hour session, with patient’s moods visibly lifting. You can really feel like you have helped make a small difference to someone’s day. Many of the patients I have worked with have demonstrated their enjoyment of the art sessions by waiting on us arriving each week and expressing how they and their families have enjoyed the artworks they have achieved. The informal drop-in approach to these sessions has been hugely successful and has allowed all of the patients the opportunity to join in. For many of them this can simply mean dropping in to enjoy the atmosphere of the group and taking part in some informal chat with some new faces on the ward. Just having this time each week, away from the day to day life on the ward and clinical staff, can be incredibly valuable to some of the patients.
My work at Project Ability has given me access to places and people that I may never have crossed paths with. I have met some truly incredible and inspiring people along the way.”
Tracy Gorman – Tutor
Sessions continue to be delivered in IPCU and in several other adult wards at Gartnavel Royal Hospital.
