In acknowledgment of this, ‘The Creation Station in support of St Helena’ offer free creative sessions for people within the local community who are facing incurable illness, have a loved one who is facing end of life, or who have experienced bereavement.

These sessions, which take place at the hospice, attract a wide range of people who have a relationship with St Helena Hospice. At these creative sessions, crafting materials are laid out around the room, such as paint, card, buttons and glitter as well as inspirational images spread around to help spark some creative ideas. Attendees have the ability to make their very own artwork on colourful cards or decorate a glass jar upcycled from the St Helena Hospice donation centre to be used as a candle holder.  

Relaxing music is played in the room to really set the tone for the experience as participants arrive at the session ready to get creative.  

Between photographing the amazing session and talking to the wonderful participants, I was also able to get involved and have a go at making something myself. Now I am nowhere near as gifted as the rest of the imaginative people in the room, but that didn’t seem to matter as the sheer bliss I got from the creative process was immeasurable! The mix of the music and the atmosphere and being able to sit with people as they also create was such a relaxing sensation. The rest of the world does really slip away.  

Later in the session, Clair Hallums; The Creation Station Manager; announced that there was a platter of cupcakes and sandwiches waiting outside to fuel the artsy attendees.  

Overall, the attendees of this session left having been allowed the chance to relax for a few hours and create a souvenir of their time. I can confirm the benefits of coming to a session like this one, still feeling the lasting effect it has had on me even now. 

The Creation Station are running  another free session on Saturday 25th January.

-  Bill Savill