Blog by Eleanor Allitt

First of all I would like to say thankyou for organising a box full of treasures.  There were outstanding performances from many people, and given with the ever-powerful element of sharing and giving.  When one’s passion turns to service there is gold indeed and this shone through their presentations.
Also it was so good to meet like-minded people and exchange enthusiasms.  The time and space for personal contact and meeting the face is so much more effective than impersonal emails.
As the conference continued I began to clarify my personal way forward.  This I feel was one of the benefits of being there.   I found myself thinking hard about exactly what I had to offer in this field.  From my background in textile design it was a short step to start illustrating.  After attending the Bleddfa Summer School of Storytelling I started telling stories in the hospital in Coventry. This went on for 4 years and has gradually given way to further illustrations.  I made a series of 11 pictures featuring the story of Hermes and Apollo, and the healing power of music. The pictures were linked by a series of smaller frames with a short text. These were exhibited outside the outpatients department.  There was much interest, and so, encouraged by this I plan to continue.  The conference has confirmed for me that I can contribute something worthwhile.  That is, to provide a series of pictures linked by text which tell an interesting and uplifting story.  The aim is to provide an environment which will refresh and renew.
 
 
As you may remember the dragonfly story will soon be installed outside the Faith Centre at University College Hospital of Coventry and Warwick.
So, all in all the conference has given me the confidence to continue in this area of work, and contribute something to patient wellbeing. That is, helping to make hospitals and care homes into more relaxing, interesting and less intimidating spaces.
Particular insights that resonated with me :

• ‘Not, What is the matter? But, What matters?
• ‘The Arts are the most powerful way to connect with one another.’
• The wellbeing of future generations overarches all projects.’

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