Artwork aids the healing process for stroke patients

To mark National Stroke Week (14-20 September), an exhibition of artworks by stroke patients will be on display at the Royal Newcastle Centre on the John Hunter Hospital campus.

StrokeArt is a pilot project between the Greater Newcastle Cluster Community Stroke team and the John Hunter Hospital Arts for Health program, helping patients rehabilitate through art.  The focus of the group is to provide people with an opportunity to explore recreational options, re-integrate into the community and explore their own journey of recovery.

John Hunter Hospital Arts for Health Coordinator, Pippa Robinson said the StrokeArt program also helps patients rebuild their self-esteem.

“Some people lose all self-confidence after suffering a stroke, so having this exhibition is great to get some of that self-confidence back,” Pippa said.

“As self-confidence of the participants grows during the program, they become more comfortable discussing their own journeys through stroke and some of the paintings on exhibition have developed from this theme.

“StrokeArt 2009 is encouraging and educative for families and patients who are faced with the devastation of the diagnosis of a stroke.”

StrokeArt participant Marcia Johnston said the art classes have helped her rehabilitation.

“After my stroke, I was in too much pain and anguish to try anything,” Marcia said.

“Now I think and breathe colours and form.  The program gave me an enormous amount of pleasure amid an environment of social warmth, fun and laughter.”

The artworks will be on display until the end of October.

StrokeArt outcomes will be presented at the University of Newcastle 2009 ArtsHealth Conference, Arts/Health Pain/Pleasure, in October.

As part of National Stroke week, the Acute Stroke Team will be holding an information booth in the foyer of the Royal Newcastle Centre on Monday 14, Tuesday 15 and Thursday 17 September, from 9am to 3pm.  Members of the public are invited to call in to have their blood pressure checked and learn how to reduce their risk of stroke.

Contact: Gemma Smith

Phone: 4921 4501