How arts projects are supporting day therapy patients at Hayward House
Arts and crafts activities at Hayward House are not only helping patients to explore their creative side, but also building a sense of community and connection among those attending Day Therapy.
Paul Lillie, a portrait and landscape painter, is the Artist in Residence at Nottingham University Hospitals. His visits to Hayward House are generously funded by Nottingham Hospitals Charity, and his creative sessions are having a meaningful impact on patients’ wellbeing.
Paul explained: “I come to Hayward House once a week and run a variety of creative activities – anything from painting and drawing to sculpture, mosaics and printmaking.
“We tailor the sessions depending on people’s dexterity and preferences. Some patients enjoy getting stuck in, while others prefer to sit back and observe. It’s all about offering choice and giving patients the opportunity to try something new in a way that suits them.”
Paul takes a mindful approach to the sessions, aiming to offer patients a break from their medical treatment and create space for connection.
“Art can be a powerful distraction – something to focus on that’s positive and absorbing. The sessions also encourage conversation, which helps to build a real sense of community among those who attend Day Therapy regularly.
“I try to strike the right balance between something that’s challenging enough to be engaging, but not so difficult that it becomes frustrating.”
One group project in particular has captured the imagination of patients – a striking three-canvas piece featuring musical legends Elvis Presley and The Beatles. The crowd in the painting is formed from the outlines of Hayward House patients’ and visitors’ hands.
“It’s been so rewarding to see how much people progress in just a short time,” Paul said. “Their confidence really grows – not just in art, but in chatting with the group. Some of our regulars are fantastic singers and have become much more comfortable performing or singing along. I try to bring music into the sessions whenever I can.”
Paul also values the spontaneous nature of the sessions:
“I don’t always arrive with a set plan – sometimes ideas emerge naturally from group conversations, and I just follow their lead. Art is a brilliant way to spark human connection and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere where people can truly be themselves.”
Among those who’ve benefited is 94-year-old Margaret, a regular attendee who shared:
“I’ve missed a few sessions but always look forward to coming back. It’s been lovely to do something different – everyone’s so kind and Paul is always encouraging, making sure we all feel involved in some way.”
One of the Day Therapy patients, Gracie, sometimes supports Paul in the sessions.
Paul said: “Having Gracie is amazing, she’s always so happy to help support everything and comes armed with a bag of crafts and activities ready to jump in if I need her.”
Recently, Gracie helped patients create paper flowers, which are located on every table at Hayward House and help brighten up the area. She previously worked as an Activity Coordinator for over 20 years. Unfortunately, she had to give up her career due to being diagnosed with stage 3 heart failure, but this hasn’t stopped her from getting involved in the activities and using her creativity and guidance to help her fellow patients.
She said: “It’s given me a purpose and helps me give back to Hayward House. It’s also allowed me to get out of the house as I’m a social butterfly and don’t do well with isolation. To be able to do what I love whilst also making friends with the other patients has been an amazing experience.
“I’m hoping to continue to help Hayward House after Paul’s time has finished, so I can keep the activities up and running as a patient. I’ve really seen the impact these sessions have had on patients like myself.”
Paul reflected on his experience with gratitude:
“I absolutely love coming to Hayward House. I’ve learnt so much from the patients – it’s a real two-way process. I’m so thankful for the time I’ve had here and the stories I’ve been lucky enough to hear.”
Paul’s work is only possible thanks to donations from kind supporters like you. Your generosity helps us continue to fund meaningful, creative projects that bring joy, comfort and connection to patients at Hayward House.
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