“Art and crafts bring the benefits of self-expression, achievement and wellbeing to everyone, including people receiving care,” says Hannah Tomlin, activities co-ordinator at Walfinch home care in Oxfordshire, who this month mounted an exhibition of artworks by members of her regular art and craft sessions in the village hall at Uffington, near Faringdon, Oxfordshire.
 
“We had plenty of exhibits, including water colour painting, pencil drawing, printing and mindful colouring, and featured work by all the people who come to our sessions, and the exhibition attracted families and friends of the artists, plus lots of people from the village,” says Hannah.
 
“The standard was high, and everyone earned awards and rosettes for their work,” she adds.
 
Awards included most skills mastered, most improved, most enthusiastic participant, most dedicated artist and  more.
 
Angela, one of the exhibiting artists, thanked Hannah for putting on the exhibition and added : “I guess we are all feeling a bit proud of ourselves.” Catherine, a carer who brings her client Jenny to the art sessions, said: “Jenny was so touched to receive an award for her work.”
 
The exhibition also offered opportunities for visitors, including children, to have a go at arts and crafts, such as making bookmarks, scratch art, sand art, and gel plate printing, using materials provided by Hannah.
 
Hannah, who is the activities co-ordinator at Walfinch home care in Oxfordshire, as well as having her own care clients, says: “It is well-recognised that art and craft activities have psychological benefits. That's why I started the craft sessions, and they have proved very popular. One lady says she finds that focusing on art is relaxing and therapeutic because it means she can switch off from daily concerns.”
 
Another woman has got into water colour painting through attending the art sessions and it has become her new hobby, says Hannah. “I have found that whatever art or craft you do, it brings a big sense of achievement and makes people feel better.”
 
Kam Gill, Managing Director of Walfinch Oxford, says: “Art classes are commonly available in care homes, but we are delighted to support Hannah in extending the opportunity to home care clients and their communities. Our carers often take clients to activities but to offer this ourselves is a great addition to our services.”
 
Hannah's weekly art sessions at the hall, which also offer free refreshments, are open to any local care clients and their carers, plus local people who want to join in.