The Staff Lottery Bids Panel recently supported a project to bring artist Jenni Dutton to exhibit the ‘Dementia Darnings’ at the Hearth Gallery in University Hospital Llandough, and her daughter Briony Goffin to deliver creative writing workshops over the course of the exhibition.
The ‘Dementia Darnings’ are intricate stitched portraits of Jenni’s mother, Gladys Dutton, that were created as a response to Gladys’s dementia diagnosis, using portraits found in old photo albums. The exhibition has toured extensively in the UK and travelled to Europe, and China, and this will be the first time it is shown in Wales.
Jenni will also be joined by her daughter, Briony Goffin, who will deliver creative writing workshops – Writing as Tribute. Inspired by the Dementia Darnings exhibition, this warm and welcoming creative writing workshop will explore the power of Writing as Tribute. With support and guidance from Briony who’s a practicing writer and tutor, participants will be given opportunity to write a tribute to someone special in their lives in the form of a simple list poem. No previous writing experience required, and all writing materials provided. There is no registration fee, and the workshops are available to everyone.
This workshop also takes its inspiration from Briony Goffin’s TED talk, Writing as an Act of Tribute, in which Briony uses the form of the list poem to honour her grandmother, Gladys Dutton, the subject of the artwork in the Dementia Darnings exhibition. This project has created opportunity for mother and daughter’s work to overlap, and to bring three generations of women back together again.
Melanie Wotton, the Arts in Health Project Manager said: ‘For many, recent years have been exceptionally difficult, with many feeling isolated from loved ones, and although many stories are yet to be told, expressing life’s journeys through the creative arts at this time necessitates a sensitive caring approach.’
‘The project will provide sharing of Jenni’s positive experiences, show how the creative arts can help carers manage their wellbeing, and provide creative writing skills and expressive opportunities for staff, patients and gallery visitors.’
The Staff Lottery Bids Panel were happy to support this project as it brings Jenni Dutton’s incredible artwork to Wales for the first time, and offers opportunities for the community of University Hospital Llandough to engage their creativity through the workshops, which will have positive effects on their health and wellbeing.
The Dementia Darnings exhibition will run 4th May – 13th June 2022.
Opening Event: Wednesday 4th May, 12pm at the Hearth Gallery
Meet the Artist Sessions: 5th & 18th May, 6th & 7th June, 12pm at the Hearth Gallery
In-person Creative Writing Workshop: Thursday 19th May, 11am – 1pm
Register by visiting: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/in-person-creative-writing-workshop-with-briony-goffin-tickets-314560387587
Online Creative Writing Workshop: Thursday 26th May, 11am – 1pm
Register by visiting: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/online-creative-writing-workshop-with-briony-goffin-tickets-314563968297
Why YOU should support the Staff Lottery!
The Staff Lottery Bids Panel endeavours to work towards all seven wellbeing goals set out by the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act whilst utilising the five ways of working; long term, prevention, integration, collaboration and involvement.
By joining the Staff Lottery, you are actively supporting a wide range of projects funded by the Bids Panel which enhance countless services across the UHB. Through this funding, you are helping the Bids Panel and Health Charity make things better for both our staff and patients, helping us all work together to create a more Prosperous, Healthier and Resilient Wales.
If you would like to join the Staff Lottery for a chance to win £1,000 each week, application forms can be completed electronically or via our website; https://healthcharity.wales/hospital-staff/staff-lottery/. Please return completed Staff Lottery forms to fundraising.cav@wales.nhs.uk.
If you would like to apply for funding from the Staff Lottery Bids Panel, please contact the above email address for details.
Cardiff & Vale Health Charity encourages you to join the Staff Lottery and apply for funding, which can enhance your department or service and inform others of the benefits of joining the Staff Lottery. And who knows, maybe you will be our next winner?