For the second year running our patients were once again asked to create artwork for the Winter Light Trail at Delapre Abbey.

The Art Therapy team and Occupational Therapists across the charity came together and submitted more than 50 pieces of art for the St Andrew’s exhibition, including from Essex and Birmingham.

James, who is a patient on Spencer North, said having his artwork on public display has “made his Christmas” and he cannot wait to go to the event.

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art to express and articulate complex thoughts and feelings. It can help people of all ages and backgrounds to reduce distress and improve social, emotional and mental wellbeing.

James said: “I have always been interested in art as I’ve found it therapeutic. I’ve been receiving treatment at St Andrew’s for three years now and art has become a huge part of my care plan. Alison Williams, the senior technical instructor here, has enabled me to experiment with lots of different materials and techniques which I’ve never used before.

“Not only have I found my love again for art, but it’s also helped me focus better on more positive things. For me, it’s always been a mindful exercise, forcing me to focus on what I’m doing in the moment as opposed to being caught up in the turmoil. Before, I didn’t have the words to express how I was feeling, but when I was drawing, painting or stencilling, I found it much easier to talk.

“Art has definitely been a lifeline for me as it gives me purpose, respite, enjoyment and a sense of achievement. I have a great deal of gratitude for the occupational therapy team who have facilitated my art sessions. I’ve discovered that producing a piece of artwork really helps offset my negative thoughts and feelings.”

The theme of the patient artwork are centred around bees. This was requested by Delapre organisers as they wanted to draw attention to the beehives they have on site.

At St Andrew’s, the bee represents co-production, so staff and patients were only too happy to support the bee theme.

James added: “I’m absolutely thrilled to see my pieces available for the public to view at Delapre. It’s honestly made my day, in fact, it’s made my Christmas. It’s always been a dream to create work for public viewing and now I’ve done it.

Dr Vivienne McVey, said: “Art therapy can be extremely powerful when it comes to helping people with complex mental health problems communicate their deep-rooted distress.

“We have a dedicated team of art therapists who specialise in working with our patients, encouraging them to express themselves. We have found art therapy can be particularly helpful among those who communicating through words challenging.

“The benefits of art therapy are endless and when used in the right way, it can change lives. We’re thrilled to have been given the opportunity to showcase our patient artwork at the Winter Light Trail and to support Delapre Abbey – another local charity. The trail is a wonderful community and family event and we’d love for as msny of our staff and patients at attend as possible.