The Arts Programme
Within The “Poppa” Guttmann Recognition and Celebration Project there is the important element of a long term ongoing Arts Programme. Poppa’s legacy of disabled sport lives on through The Paralympic Games and his statue will hopefully leave a further legacy of artistic talent.
The link between arts and health has been thoroughly researched as have
the many and huge benefits achieved by it. There is a desire, approved by
The NHS, to improve or initiate arts programmes in healthcare. However the
NHS has not put money behind this. The Buckinghamshire NHS Trust is enthusiastic
by backing the objectives of this project in order to observe its long term
value to the personal benefits for patients and staff and the corporate
benefits of a reduced length of stay and increased satisfaction with care.
In the case of Spinal Cord Injured people there is a need to recover self worth, use opportunities to discover what they can and wish to do and to improve or find a new talent. To many this Arts Programme will lead to a new pastime and to some to a new career.
Painting by spinal injured patient Michael Rogers (C4)
A qualified Arts Co-ordinator will be employed and will liaise with visiting artists, university arts departments and art colleges to assist in this education. These contributors will also benefit by understanding the needs and methods of teaching disabled people. It is intended that this Arts Programme will become a permanent and integral part of the rehabilitation of patients at the same time as them enjoying their spare time constructively. Information about how and where to continue art post discharge will be incorporated.
The varying fields of art offer very beneficial therapy in both physical
and mental ways. At present The NSIC uses aspects of art in therapy but
therapists are very limited with time and continuity. The intention of the
programme is to use evenings and weekends to involve patients, friends,
relatives and staff.
An initial “Big Draw” event brought consultants, doctors, nurses, therapists and patients together with fierce self inflicted competition as to who did best. It was a great “leveller” with many patients outperforming able bodied staff! It was a real confidence boost, through drawing, to those who otherwise thought of their limitations not their abilities.
One of the most difficult times for a newly injured SCI person is when they return home and often wonder what to do. Art and integration to community arts clubs and organisations could be invaluable for this vital transitional period and the future.
Development of this programme will improve and augment the patient experience and outcomes in comprehensive rehabilitation in a similar fashion to that of the use of sports as started by Poppa Guttmann but will appeal to those who may currently have no wish or ability to participate in sports as an outlet.
Michael Rogers painting using mouth stick
Would you like to be involved?
Would you like to be involved in some way such as with publicity, fundraising, skills, by making a donation or if you would just like to be kept informed of the progress of the project and the Trust. If so, please register your interest by clicking here.