For the past 25 years, the Regional Neurological Rehabilitation Unit (RNRU) at Homerton University Hospital has developed a wonderful art workshop for long-stay patients with acquired and traumatic brain injuries.
Not even a pandemic could stop these sessions from continuing to run, (safely, of course) providing a range of physical and mental health benefits to vulnerable people during these times of change.
All the art shown on this page has been created by RNRU patients.
![A collage made by a Regional Neurological Rehabilitation Unit patient src=]()
A bit of background
The RNRU specialises in early in-patient rehabilitation, for adult patients from the age of 17 from all areas of the UK. The majority of their patients have suffered head injuries, strokes, subarachnoid haemorrhages or other forms of brain damage.
Back in 1995, artist and curator Shaun Caton was invited to create an art workshop service at the RNRU. The workshop started off on wheels and Shaun worked with patients at their bedsides with just a few bottles of paint and a hospital trolley. With the sessions giving long-stay patients with acquired and traumatic brain injuries something to help with their recovery and a way to creatively express themselves, the mobile workshop was given a studio.
The Creative Medium Room has offered groups of patients regular interactive workshops ever since.
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A socially distanced service
Despite the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions in place, Shaun has done all he can to make sure patients have been able to attend art workshops on a one-to-one basis, while following the government’s safety guidelines. This has allowed their patients to continue to express themselves through making art every week during these extremely challenging times.
Shaun explained to us why he simply had to keep the service running safely. He said: “Making art right now helps these patients cope with anxiety and depression, while also boosting morale.
“Art is a vehicle for self-expression for patients with communication difficulties, and it provides a sense of wellbeing and gives a sense of achievement, no matter how small.”
Our personal injury partner, Sarah Griggs, first met Shaun in 2013 when she was visiting a client of hers on the unit. She enjoyed a wonderful half an hour in his company, absorbing the atmosphere of the Creative Medium Room and his plans for the future. Sarah believes that Shaun’s commitment to the project will have made a massive difference during such challenging times of change.
Sarah explained “For many years we’ve been supporting individuals with acquired brain injuries and have regularly seen the physical, mental and emotional benefits that being creative can have on their recovery.
“The pandemic has led to sudden and unexpected change and the fact that Shaun has been able to provide some familiarity and focus for patients at Homerton shows just how vital the art workshop is.”
Exhibition gives staff a timely boost
Homerton Hospital has always had a pioneering arts programme, since opening its doors in July 1986. The entire hospital is filled with contemporary art work, complimented by patient’s art work, often displayed side by side.
The latest exhibition, celebrating the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth has been made available to health workers, after its public launch was postponed by the coronavirus pandemic. The display showcases original portraits of the trailblazing nurse, as well as some very rare signed letters.
Shaun put the exhibition together in partnership with the London Metropolitan Archives and other organisations and is hopeful that it may be opened to the public in the future when things start to go back to some kind of normality.
Art of this world
The art workshop has been generously supported by hundreds of local artists, who have come into the hospital over the years and shared their creative practices. Print making, sculpture, experimental photography, poetry, drawing, collage, and shadow puppetry are just some of the amazing things that patients have accessed over the years.
When asked why he believes in the project so much, Shaun said: “Hackney is a culturally diverse borough, with a great concentration of artists. Many have been attracted to our art workshop and have given their time and valuable expertise, putting something useful back into society, giving our patients the chance to engage with art in both a meaningful and fun way. Not only do art sessions help to improve a patient’s motor skills, they also lead to increased sociability within the dynamic of the group.”
We feel the final words for this article should come from a patient from the hospital which sums up just what a difference the workshop continues to make.
“I never knew I could even hold a paint brush, let alone make a painting. But art has been a lifeline to me during my stay in hospital. It’s great that we can do this. It’s helped me cope with things and given me a focus.”
If you would like to find out more about the amazing RNRU art workshop, or if you would like to donate a gift of art materials you can contact Shaun at shaun.caton@nhs.net.
Turning Point – June 2020
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