hackney Long covid art studio
From May-July 2024, I devised and delivered a weekly art studio at the Shoreditch Trust, in collaboration with the now-closed Hackney WeLCoME Service, for people with energy-limiting conditions such as Long Covid, ME and CFS.
Sessions were led by practitioners with knowledge or lived experience of chronic illness, using art-making to calm the nervous system. Different art techniques were taught each week, alongside an offer to take part in gentle breathwork and mindful mark-making.
The aims of these sessions were to reconnect with the joys of artmaking and provide a sense of community, purpose and belonging alongside others going through similar challenges.
“The art studio has had a massive impact on my wellbeing. Connecting with people on a similar journey is really positive for my mental health and the art itself is very mindful and good for my nervous system. I hope others get to experience it!”
“Keep on doing this. I feel looked after and seen with spaces like this. It’s safe and good for the soul.”