Royal Leamington Spa Rehabilitation Hospital 's art classes have multiple benefits

Regular art classes, organised by the volunteers at Royal Leamington Spa Rehabilitation Hospital, have brough colour and style to the wards.

Open to everyone, the benefits are huge. Not only does this facility enable patients to enjoy the pleasure of creating artwork, for those with more serious disabilities, it offers them a chance to be part of an event, which, with careful supervision, enables them to create something to give their friends and relatives.

As a relative, I have been extremely touched to receive cards and painting from my hugely disabled mother. I have also loved to see her handiwork, however simple, displayed on the blank walls around her bed. These colourful pieces cheer the ward up and provide relatives and friends with something else to talk about.

The brightly painted posters advertising these classes liven up the wall around the nurses station. They also provide reassurance to visitors that their loved ones are being stimulated in a number of ways during the long hours when we are not able to visit them.

I have been delighted to hear of several amusing incidents that have happened during these classes over the weeks, many of which have made my mother smile in delilght.

So, patients don't just get an art class, they also get a social occasion to enjoy in so many ways.

Thank you.

Jill