NHS HOSPITAL SETTING

Here I Facilitated creative art workshops in the University Hospital of Wales. During my time at the setting I facilitated workshops to vulnerable elderly participants that had a range of different needs. During my time at the University Hospital of Wales, I spent the morning walking around the ward and creating conversations with the participants: not all were willing to give their time up to speak, therefore I gave them an invitation to join my workshop that would take place in the afternoon. All participants on the ward received an invitation. The aim of this was to ensure they felt welcome and valued even if they didn't want to take the time to get to know me, it allowed them to be aware that they're welcome to join the session when and if they wish. There was no pressure on participation, the reason for this is because I was understanding of their needs and abilities and the position they were in. Conversations were had to explain to participants that there was no right/wrong way to complete the task, anything they produced would be a success. All participants were very frail and unwell. Participants weren't fourth-coming with participating due to them not having the confidence in being able to fulfil the session, however the ones that picked up the courage to participate expressed how much better they felt after the session. They expressed how it took their mind away from the pain and discomfort, and distracted them from staring at 4 walls. This was a very challenging setting to facilitate at due to the lack of participation, however it was very rewarding.