6 May 2025
A partnership between our Trust and Bridge Creative, who work with autistic adults and those with a learning disability, was formed to support the people we care for gain skills that might help them access employment.
A 12-week employment skills workshop took place, followed by a 12-week volunteer project and an 8-week follow-up. The volunteer workshops took place in a supportive environment that was guided by Bridge Creative’s volunteer coordinator Deb Riddle, and Emily Smiles, volunteer mentor.
TEWV occupational therapy, activity and recovery colleagues supported the group with hands-on activities in art, design and woodwork to help increase skills and boost confidence and aspirations.
Lanchester Road Hospital patients decided to make and sell crafts to raise funds for the Together Gardens, a space for social activities, relaxed time in nature and growing projects at the Durham hospital site.
Each week, a two-hour group session took place where everyone got to work creating hanging Christmas decorations, wreaths, handmade cards, animal prints and seed gift sets.
Time was also set aside to share new ideas and to develop and create new crafts.
A patient who took part in the programme, said: “The staff from Bridge Creative were a good laugh and a canny bunch. I liked working with people from the community that I didn’t know.”
Using pyrography and natural printing techniques on clay and natural materials from the hospital and Ushaw College sites, the group wanted a visual identity that everyone could recognise, they decided on a name of ‘Dovetail Collective’ that would be used for everything they created.
The first set of crafts they created were sold last year at a Christmas pop up stall held in the reception area of Lanchester Road Hospital.
“I enjoyed making the wreaths and the stall. We raised more than I thought. We will use the funds to get the gardens up and running properly and looking nice” said another patient who enjoyed their time on the programme.
Project link and occupational therapist, Simon, said: “Crafting can be a soothing and engaging activity that unlocks creative skills and provides a sense of achievement.
“Working our hands to make and shape art materials can distract from worries and concerns and can provide a relaxed and therapeutic environment that focuses the mind.
“Group members have really benefited from the project, so much so, they are interested in continuing with art and craft projects in new directions, to start their own enterprises in the future, focusing on the development of the gardens and building a portfolio of projects.
“One person has gone on to work on artwork for a Trust research project and another is looking into self-employment.”
Winning awards for its community work, Bridge Creative, based in Durham and London, supports autistic adults and adults with a learning disability into meaningful employment by building confidence, promoting independence, learning new skills and gaining real work experience.
