Thursday 18 December
Our trust partnered with local organisations across York to deliver creative, nature-inspired art workshops at Foss Park Hospital.
Six uplifting sessions encouraged patients to repurpose existing materials to create artwork inspired by the changing seasons, which are now proudly on display within the hospital.
York Minster, St Nicks Nature Reserve and Environment Centre, the Borthwick Institute for Archives, York St John University, and local artists and photographers generously gave their time, expertise and resources to support the project.
Wellbeing through art
The workshops offered patients and staff the chance to explore creativity as part of their wellbeing and recovery, building confidence and connection through shared artmaking.
Ruth Allen, a specialist occupational therapist in our trust, said: “We see the atmosphere change for patients, and we notice how much everyone – including us – gain from these sessions. Creative opportunities make a real difference to wellbeing, confidence and connection.”
Ruth added that she was delighted at the dedication and creativity shown by both patients and staff.
Patients also reflected on how meaningful the sessions were to them, sharing comments such as:
“I’ve had the best time – I feel calmer.”
“Doing this makes me feel like myself again.”
“It’s lovely to have something creative to focus on. It takes your mind somewhere else.”
The artwork was made using pieces from old archives and nature packs kindly shared by partners.
Kirsty Mitchell, curator at York Minster, said: “Seeing these historic collections transformed into something so useful and inspiring for creative workshops has been truly rewarding, allowing the Minster’s heritage to spark new connections with nature, creativity and wellbeing.”
Celebrating creativity
An exhibition showcasing the artwork created by patients will be held at Foss Park Hospital from Monday 15 December.
Running for six months, the display will transform the hospital’s entrance and corridors into spaces of reflection and inspiration, celebrating creativity and wellbeing.
Artist Griselda Goldsbrough, curator of the exhibition, said: “It has been brilliant to see so many organisations across York come together to support creative opportunities for patients and staff at Foss Park. This exhibition really reflects the generosity, care and skill that so many people have shared throughout the year.
“Hats off to the brilliant occupational therapy and activity coordinator teams who have led and supported these projects day-to-day. Their commitment makes this work possible.”
The exhibition celebrates creativity as an important part of care, showing how healthcare, heritage, education and community groups can work together to support wellbeing through art.
Becca Hargreaves, an activity coordinator at Foss Park Hospital, added: “We love what art brings to the wards. So many of our patients are incredibly talented, and it’s a privilege to see their creativity shine.
“These opportunities, supported by so many organisations across the city, are vital – they give patients something meaningful to engage with, feel proud of and be recognised for beyond their illness.”
