Sunderland stroke survivors enjoy art therapy thanks to donation from daughter in law

A local art workshop project for stroke survivors in Sunderland, has launched in the area, after a generous donation from a stroke survivor’s daughter-in-law.

Tracey Oliver’s father in law Kenneth Oliver had a stroke in September 2013, which affected his communication was affected and mobility. After being supported by the Stroke Association’s Communication Support service, Ken attended the charity’s six week art therapy group project earlier this year, held at St Luke’s Church Hall in Pallion, Sunderland.

The groups were created by the Stroke Association and are based on the region’s coal mining heritage, led by Graham Hodgson from Hawthorn Arts. Each session saw stroke survivors use different art techniques to create their own original artwork to help with their recovery. The project culminated in a final exhibition when all group members, their carers, family and friends, and health professionals were invited to view the art work produced.

After seeing the progress Ken was making with the support of the group, Tracey felt inspired to donate to the charity to enable them to deliver a second six week project for stroke survivors in Sunderland.

Tracey said: “After attending the art exhibition, I was amazed by the standard of work that had been produced by the group after just a little tuition. My father-in-law has improved dramatically after his involvement with the Stroke Association service, particularly the art workshops. I recently lost my husband Kevin to brain cancer, something that often mirrors the effects of a stroke. His father Ken’s involvement in the art workshops, coupled with the process he has made since his stroke, has helped us all through the grieving process.

“I’ve chosen to donate the funds needed to run another series of art workshops for all stroke survivors in the Sunderland Service, in memory of my husband. It will enable the Stroke Association to make a real difference to the lives of other stroke survivors, their families and carers.”

Jane Evans Communication Support Coordinator at the Stroke Association, said: “At first Ken was reluctant to attend the groups but after joining, his communication and self-confidence has excelled. Art therapy can help stroke survivors build on their confidence and express themselves in new ways. We see overwhelming courage and determination in many stroke survivors as they cope with the loss of many things we take for granted, such as being able to say what we are feeling.

“We are so grateful to Tracey for her incredibly kind donation to enable us to deliver another group in the area. The money will go a long way in helping our new group to express themselves and enjoy a life after stroke.”

Graham from Hawthorn Arts added: “This workshop has highlighted how the visual arts can really help in the recovery of stroke survivors. There has been some fantastic work produced by the group. The industrial heritage forms the basis of the course and we have found that participants love the opportunity to reminisce. It can be very therapeutic to focus upon such a familiar topic.”

The Stroke Association is the UK’s leading stroke charity which campaigns to improve stroke care; supports people to make the best recovery they can; and funds ground-breaking research to change the lives of people affected by stroke. For more information about stroke, visit www.stroke.org.uk or call the helpline on 0303 3033 100.