Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Sweet Harmonies
Sweet Harmonies
As usual in the brochure we want to give you a flavour of what's happening across
the hospitals we work in, some highlights from the programme, who's involved
in it, what's happened recently, and most importantly what's on in the coming
months.
Artlink delivers arts workshops and events in hospitals across Edinburgh. We have
a team of artists and performers who run workshops and events that vary from
hospital to hospital, for example, anything from singing performances on elderly
care wards, to sculpture and painting workshops on stroke wards.
It's important these activities and events continue to be informed by staff and
patient requests. We need your feedback, so keep the requests coming!
Social Spaces
We know how time can drag when you are in hospital; it can be a worrying time
and in addition you are removed from things familiar to you. With this in mind
we try and structure activities and events that will take your mind off things, even
if it's only for a few minutes. We create periods in the week where you can look
forward to taking part in an activity. Our participative workshops often have a
strong social aspect, creating the time and space for you to be entertained, get
lost in making something, or quite simply enjoy the company of other patients.
We think that it's important within all our workshops and events that we make
sure there are opportunities to strike up conversations with each other. This helps
everyone discover shared interests and common threads and creates bonds
between people. Social interaction is what keeps most of us going through our
normal week, and this is no different during your stay in hospital.
Our performative workshops and live events also help bring some structure to your
day, a bright point to look forward to in the week. These events give you a chance
to reminisce and share memories. At these events you can sit back, relax and listen
to music, stories and songs. We love it when patients just can't help joining in with
the singing. Studies suggest that communal singing improves our mood, and can
help alleviate stress, depression and anxiety, so what's not to like!
Working in Partnership
© Albie Clark
Lothians Health Foundation (ELHF).
The Artlink Hospital Arts team welcomes them both and looks forward to
working with them both in the future.
Introduction
Workshops
All participants have been brilliant. We are really impressed and excited by the
level of creativity and skill they have brought to the workshops. Concentration
in the room is palpable, although we still find time to talk about our favourite
6 Sweet Harmonies
St John's
Introduction (cont.)
Workshops
artists and what kind of art we like. Quite a few people have brought in their
sketchbooks, drawings and photographs of paintings they have made at home. It
has been a real pleasure to see the different creative skills that everyone has.
We look forward to sharing the artworks that come from these workshops in the
next brochure.
"I had forgotten how calming and therapeutic simply sitting down and drawing
/painting something can be. The hour and a half flew by as I became really
wrapped up in what I was doing. Observing myself and the other participants, it
also reminded me that while talking openly about thoughts and feelings can be
very mental-health promoting, staying generally quiet and concentrating whilst
'doing' is also hugely valid in a different way for our psychological well-being."
Craig Barton
Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology (CAAP)
Sweet Harmonies 7
St John's
Introduction (cont.)
Workshops
I was almost immediately 'lost' in the moment, which was only broken by the easy
conversation in the room with the other (much more talented) participants.
I was also very touched to be able to experience the other participants who
have utilised the department for treatment, being able to express themselves
artistically and having a less intense and stressful experience of being here. The
fact that they are contributing their time and artistic efforts back to the department
is incredibly heartening – there is going to be an amazing gallery of talent on
display here."
Sharon McMenemy
Psychological Therapist
“What a fantastic opportunity for patients and staff. The sessions that I have been
involved with have felt very therapeutic and the artwork produced has been
incredible. It has been really lovely to interact with patients in a different way and
see the joy that taking part in such a course has created for them. I can’t wait to
see the pieces framed and up in the waiting area!”
Sinead Murray
Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology
8 Sweet Harmonies
St John's
Magdalena Durant
Events
Sweet Harmonies 9
St John's
Events
© Albie Clark
Singin' & Reminiscin' with Miss Annabel Sings: Let's Dance!
With a passion for reminiscence and the help of a huge back catalogue of songs
from every genre, Edinburgh's premier Cabaret singer and host will be celebrating
songs that bring us together and get us moving back to the days of the Dancehall.
The unifying power of music is a strong one and Annabel is pleased to be back
to share her love of songs and some stories she has heard during her time on the
hospital arts team. She will be returning to Ward 3 and the Stroke Unit with her
unique brand of entertainment and chat, inviting you to join her to sing, share
stories, laugh, dance or simply sit back and enjoy some entertainment.
10 Sweet Harmonies
EVENTS CALENDAR - ST JOHN'S
Western General
Harmony Choir
Performance goes down well at the Western General, so we were delighted that
HarmonyChoir agreed to put on a performance in the main foyer area of the
hospital. We've had a few public performances in the past and they are always
very well received. We look forward to the next time they can join us to cheer up the
hospital community!
HarmonyChoir are a group of singers, some of whom have lived experience with
mental health symptoms. The group come together to sing, enjoy each other's
company and positively challenge the stigma that is so often associated with mental
illness. As their name suggests, the HarmonyChoir sing four-part harmony, Soprano,
Alto, Tenor and Bass. All of their music is arranged by their very talented Musical
Director, Ben Jones. Currently their repertoire includes Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on
Me, Bad Day, Con Te Partiro, You Will Be Found, Mr Songbird, I Will Survive, Wind
of Change, and Stand by Me.
There is growing evidence that supports the health benefits of communal singing; it
reportedly strengthens the immune system, can be a great physical workout and even
helps improve your posture! There are also the psychological and emotional benefits
from singing, as it's known to release endorphins that are a natural
anti-depressant; it can also lower stress and improve mental alertness.
And then there are the social benefits in singing together. It can quite simply
widen your circle of friends, boost your confidence and help you improve your
communication skills. So armed with that information let's hear some more of those
sweet harmonies.
All are welcome to join the HarmonyChoir, no auditions and no previous experience
required. All you need to do is love singing. You can find out more at
harmonychoir.com
Sweet Harmonies 13
Western General
This workshop will be our first opportunity to work with Frances Aitken, Senior
Charge Nurse for Project Improvement/Development as part of her work with
ward staff to reduce patients' distress within acute medical environments. Our
plan is to provide five week making workshops on two wards that Frances has
been working with at the Western General. The wards and artist are still under
discussion at the time of writing the brochure but we will feedback on workshops
in the next brochure.
© Anne Elliot
14 Sweet Harmonies
Western General
Building on the links established with the nursing staff on Ward 50, artist Anne
Elliot will move next door to Ward 51 from May through to June. Anne will
introduce a variety of new taster art activities for patients including techniques
such as collage, printing, weaving, painting and jewellery making. These are
designed for people to work together and where possible they will take place at
the patient's bedside.
Paul Novak
Events
Sweet Harmonies 15
Western General
With a passion for reminiscence and the help of a huge back catalogue of
songs from every genre, Edinburgh's premier Cabaret singer and host will be
celebrating songs that bring us together and get us moving back to the days of the
Dancehall. The unifying power of music is a strong one and Annabel is pleased to
be back to share her love of songs from the era as well as stories she has heard
during her time visiting the wards. She will be returning to the wards at the Royal
Victoria Building and visiting Ward 50 for the first time with her unique brand of
entertainment and chat. Inviting you to join her to sing, share stories, laugh, dance
or simply sit back and enjoy some entertainment.
Life is full of stories and even better when it's filled with songs. Join our wonderful
volunteers Alan and Ron for an hour of storytelling and song, some old and some
new to tap your toes to. Alan and Ron have been volunteering at the Western
General for a few years and are always a favourite on the wards. We are happy
to welcome them back to spread more joy.
It's been a year so far with patients, staff and visitors alike enjoying a dazzling
variety of poets, magicians, musicians and singers. This quarter we have invited
back some firm favourites as well as new artists to Wards 51 and 55. That's
Entertainment will continue to give the wards a taste of the eclectic array of
performers gracing the stages of the Edinburgh performance scene right now.
16 Sweet Harmonies
Western General
Wendy Weatherby
Funny Scottish songs, stories and cello music from the marvellous musician,
Wendy.
Edinburgh's Queen of Cabaret is visiting the wards for the first time to entertain
with tunes and tales from the world of showbiz.
Max Scratchmann
Storyteller and performance poet Max will be bringing a selection box of his
favourite stories and poems to share and enjoy.
Paul Novak
Sweet Harmonies 17
EVENTS CALENDAR - WESTERN GENERAL
Tuesdays
Art Taster Workshop
14 , 21st, 28th May
th 2pm - 3.30pm Ward 51
with Anne Elliot+
11th, 25th June
Introduction
Artist Laura Aldridge has been working on Stroke and Medicine of the Elderly
Wards with Carey Moss and Kim McGovern, the only two activity coordinators at
the Royal Infirmary.
Patient profiles on the wards vary, but many of the patients we work with have
memory loss, communication and language difficulties, impaired reasoning
abilities as well as changes in visual perception. In addition on the Stroke Wards
we work with individuals of all ages who are dealing with the emotional stress of
having had a stroke.
© Trevor Cromie
devising and delivering a weekly
programme of activities is much harder
than you might think. We hope that
by working alongside Carey and Kim
that it both supports them in their work but also adds to their repertoire of skills.
New artists coming onto wards offer new ways of working, providing a distraction
for staff and patients, as well as that much needed social space we talked about
earlier in the brochure.
At the beginning of a new workshop block we usually start with an activity that
allows us to assess levels of dexterity, attention span, spacial awareness etc. This
helps us to work out how to make the workshops relevant to all who take part.
Sweet Harmonies 21
Royal Infirmary
© Trevor Cromie
For this series of workshops Laura decided to begin with a block printing
workshop. Each participant created their own printing blocks by cutting out foam
shapes and sticking them onto wooden blocks. The blocks were then inked up
with a particular colour and pressed onto paper. People worked with four or
more colours, building patterns and shapes. Some people created abstract repeat
patterns, others made pictorial works. One lady, who was leaving the ward to
go home that day, made a work that ended up telling the story of her and her
husband, where they live and about their love for each other. The artwork was
tightly grasped in her hand as she left the workshop as she wanted to bring it
home to show to her husband. The workshops still have a few weeks to run so we
we'll share some images with you in the next brochure.
22 Sweet Harmonies
Royal Infirmary
Artist Anne Elliot will be working with activity coordinators Carey Moss and Kim
McGovern on a series of 5 making workshops. They will work across the wards to
create a colourful, embroidered patchwork hanging.
The groups will be working with fabrics and textile designs that span several
decades from a collection of fabrics that Anne has been collecting for many
years.
Anne has a long history of developing workshops working with textiles, making
banners and hangings, and will bring this wealth of experience to this project, not
to mention an amazing collection of fabric!
Sweet Harmonies 23
Royal Infirmary
Events
© Albie Clark
Sarah Phizacklea
Sarah always leaves the wards inspired. One patient said to her recently they felt
so happy listening to and singing songs that they 'could do it all day'. In April
to June she is returning to all five wards we work with at the Royal infirmary. She
will be bringing her sessions bed to bed and hoping to find that special song that
speaks to you.
We all have songs that inspire us, so don't be frightened of suggesting a few. Look
out for Sarah and share some musical moments with her.
24 Sweet Harmonies
EVENTS CALENDAR - ROYAL INFIRMARY
Tuesday 21st and 28th May 10.30am - 12.00pm Wards 201 and 101
Tuesday 4th, 11th and 18th June 10.30am - 12.00pm Wards 201 and 101
Textile workshops: Tuesday 4th June
Focus on Fabric+ Monday 10th June
Tuesday 18th June 1.30pm - 3.00pm Ward 104
Monday 24th June
Monday 1st July
Royal Edinburgh
Introduction
In January 2019, Anne Elliot and a group of 10 women - who use the REH or
are part of Artlink's community projects - have had the unique opportunity to
work with the Soul Food Sisters Community Kitchen in a series of workshops in
Glasgow.
We wanted to make
links for women
outside of the
hospital and mental
health community,
providing them with
the opportunity
to experience
something entirely
different. Soul
Sisters introduced
them to Turkish,
Polish and Algerian
foods, working together to make breads, dips, sampling soups and gluten-free
recipes. These workshops were inspirational, encouraging all involved to be more
adventurous in their food choices, building new friendships, learning new skills,
and most importantly having the opportunity to learn new cooking skills from some
amazing teachers.
"It was fascinating meeting women from different countries and learning how
to cook their local delicacies. It was always a lovely atmosphere; there was a
good camaraderie. Whilst we were learning something it was always great fun at
the same time." Sue
Sweet Harmonies 27
Royal Edinburgh
Introduction (cont.)
Workshops
© Anne Elliot
Soul Food Sisters
Talking about food, what’s the new theme for the summer programme at the REH?
It’s Pizza Pizza Pizza: All the pizza you can’t eat!
Anne Elliot and her collaborators always come up with a different theme for her
workshops in the glasshouses and this year it's about letting your imagination go
wild around the theme of pizza. As the title gives away there will be no foods
harmed in the making of the pizzas; instead you are invited to use any material
other than food to create fantastical pizzas that will be displayed at this year's
summer fete. Your pizza artwork can be made by everyone on a ward or by one
28 Sweet Harmonies
Royal Edinburgh
Introduction (cont.)
Workshops
person, all we ask is that you bring your creations to the Glasshouses on the week
of the fete. Anne will be in touch with more details closer to the time. If you have
any questions in the meantime just get in touch with Anne. You know where she is.
© Anne Elliot
times. It's uplifting to witness,
and also aids peoples' road
to recovery.
Things are moving apace at the Royal Edinburgh, though we have to admit we
are a little behind with both Tom Krasny projects; it's just a logistical thing and we
will be back on track this quarter so look out for Tom on the wards and for a photo
update in the next brochure.
We also hope that the window decals for Merchiston Ward will be installed
over this period, so look out for images of those in our July to September 2019
brochure.
Sweet Harmonies 29
Royal Edinburgh
Tom will be returning to the Robert Fergusson unit to present ideas for the final
artwork. Once the staff and patients have made a selection we will go into
production of the artwork.
All the wards have a 'storage' panel which separates the communal dining space
and living areas. At the top of these units are glass display boxes that can be
viewed from both sides of the space. Some wards have already started to use
these in inventive ways but we would now like to bring Tom in to work with all the
wards to build on some of these ideas. We want these spaces to be 'galleries' for
imaginative and creative artworks. Trevor will be coming round each ward to find
out if you would like Tom to work with you. If you want to get involved you can
also email trevor@artlinkedinburgh.co.uk
We invite entries to the inedible pizza competition. Yes, you read that right!
Use your imagination and creative skills to decorate your pizza. You can use
cardboard or sticky back paper, paper collage, paint on card, knitted with
wool, papier-mâché, sew-on fabric or any other material you can think of to make
your fantastical pizza. Don't hold back, let your imagination have free reign. No
food should be harmed in the making of your pizza! Your entries will be displayed
at this years REH Summer Fete where prizes and certificates will be presented.
Need help? Contact Anne to arrange a Pizza Making Workshop on your ward.
30 Sweet Harmonies
Royal Edinburgh
Workshops
© Anne Elliot
D.I.Y. Culture with Anne and Neil
The Glasshouses are open to patients and staff who have an interest in skills-based
activity working with wood, paint and plants as well as maintaining the
much-loved Glasshouses. Places are limited so please book in advance.
The Glasshouses art studio is the place to explore your ideas and let your
imagination and artistic creativity loose. It is a meeting place where participants
old and new gather to share ideas, knowledge and techniques. Where old friends
make new friends. It is a great space to work on large-scale art projects, and
somewhere to paint without worrying about making a mess. All materials and
protective clothing are provided.
Sweet Harmonies 31
Royal Edinburgh
© Albie Clark
vegetable seedlings, planting potatoes and
bringing on potted plants for sale. Find out
for yourself and come along and grow your
own.
One-to-One
Anne is offering the opportunity to make
art on a one-to-one basis. These sessions
can take place either at the Glasshouses
or on the wards. This is an opportunity
to work in a quiet space, on a larger
scale artwork or a special project idea.
If you know someone who would benefit
from these one-to-one sessions please
© Anne Elliot
32 Sweet Harmonies
Royal Edinburgh
Event
© Anne Elliot
Sweet Harmonies 33
EVENTS CALENDAR - ROYAL EDINBURGH
Thursday
Annual Plant Sale+ 10am - 3.30pm Glasshouses
30th May
Prospect Bank
Introduction
It's been a busy and exciting start to the year at Prospect Bank. Prospect Bank is
part of Findlay House, a specialist Dementia unit in Leith. Artlink and staff have
been working together to create a positive environment for those that live and
work there, looking at ways to sustain activity by bringing the local community
and different arts organisations into the unit to add to what's available.
A couple of highlights have been the fantastic 'Step in Time' project provided
by Dancebase; this included training sessions in creative movement for staff to
which we invited activity coordinators from three hospitals around Edinburgh. The
talented Dancebase artist Sheena Byrne then followed this by providing 8 Dance
for Dementia sessions for staff and residents at Prospect Bank.
Our next adventure is to transform the garden and break-out area in time for the
spring with TCV (The Conservation Volunteers). Working alongside staff, residents
and families we hope to create a Dementia-Friendly Garden that will become the
place to relax in. We all agreed that it's important to have space for some quiet
time during a busy working day.
Reading Friends has quickly become a firm favourite on the weekly calendar. A
few of our brilliant volunteers and our volunteer coordinator Simon Jay have been
visiting weekly and reading to patients. This is an ongoing project which we hope
to embed into the unit over the coming year.
36 Sweet Harmonies
Prospect Bank
Introduction (cont.)
Simon will also begin to work towards Prospect Bank's Got Talent. Any
opportunity to build the units morale and celebrate the unexpected. Look out for
what happens next in next block's programme!
Events
This is a chance for staff, families and patients to dress up and share an enjoyable
experience. Each event will take place in the living room and be hosted by Miss
Annabel Sings with help from Prospect Bank Staff.
Sweet Harmonies 37
Prospect Bank
Ben Nardone
Events
Ben is back to top hat and tails the spring season with super songs and captivating
stories from the musicals. There's no business like show business so dust off those
vocal chords; it's show-tune sing-a-long time!
Wendy Weatherby
Last season, Wendy had the room dancing, laughing and singing along to her
funny Scottish stories and songs. Tonight she's back with another entertaining
evening that is bound to get us jigging once more.
Magdalena Durant
38 Sweet Harmonies
Prospect Bank
the Movies
With a passion for reminiscence and the help of a huge back catalogue of your
favourite songs from the movies, Edinburgh's premier
Cabaret singer and host will be celebrating the rich
history of music from the movies. Over the years at
Prospect Bank, Miss Annabel has noticed that residents
love film music and it always gets people dancing and
remembering. Now, Annabel invites you to join her in the living room for a movie
themed hour and a chance to sing laugh and dance together. The perfect way to
kick off the day!
Sweet Harmonies 39
EVENTS CALENDAR - PROSPECT BANK
Ben Nardone* Mon 15th April & Mon 24th June 6pm - 6.45pm Prospect Bank
Miss Annabel Sings* Monday 13th May 6pm - 6.45pm Prospect Bank
Tuesday 16th & 23rd April 11am - 12pm Living Room at Prospect Bank
Singin' & Reminiscin'
with Miss Annabel Tuesday 7th & 28th May 11am - 12pm Living Room at Prospect Bank
Sings*
Tuesday 4th& 18th June 11am - 12pm Living Room at Prospect Bank
* All events are open to patients, staff and families at Prospect Bank
Artlink are working with the Scottish Book Trust
Volunteering
© Simon Jay
become a staple part of the hospital week. Our
new volunteer co-ordinator Simon Jay has taken
up the reins and has been doing a wonderful job
bringing it all together. He's met with our brilliant volunteers and gone with them onto wards
to meet patients, sit and chat and read with them, in order to get to know them better and
share stories.
Our volunteers bring their unique personalities to the role, tailoring stories and chit chat to
the needs of different patients, whether it be sitting with a bed-bound resident at Prospect
Bank to show photographs of Seafield's historical past, or a passionate recital of Rabbie
Burns' love poetry for Valentine's Day in the Day Room at Western General. The daughter
of one patient told us with delight how her mother's memories of the War had been
triggered by a volunteer's story.
These unique interactions that come from volunteers regularly visiting wards can have such
a transformative effect for staff, patients and visitors alike. An hour here and there, having a
blether with a patient may not seem much, but we've already witnessed the positive effect
it's having on those we've visited.
We've had regular visits to St. John's, Western General and Prospect Bank over the last few
months, and the feedback has been very positive, not only from staff and patients, but also
from volunteers, who have said how they’ve found the experience fun, humbling and very
rewarding.
If you're interested in joining our volunteers, why not come and volunteer for the Reading
Friends Scheme? Contact Simon Jay, Reading Friends Volunteer Co-ordinator
(Monday and Thursdays) for more information.
simon@artlinkedinburgh.co.uk
Sweet Harmonies 41
Developing Future Partnerships
Connect with Us
@ArtlinkEdin artlinkedin
ArtlinkEdinburgh www.artlinkedinburgh.co.uk
Contacts
Artlink Office: 0131 229 3555 info@artlinkedinburgh.co.uk
Artlink Glasshouses: 0131 537 6127 glasshouses@artlinkedinburgh.co.uk
Information on workshops: trevor@artlinkedinburgh.co.uk
anne@artlinkedinburgh.co.uk
FUNDED BY: