Trust charity funds staff painting workshop
Last year, Occupational Therapist Susie Wallage took on the challenge of Swim Serpentine 2025, raising over £700 for our Trust charity. She has now been able to put these funds to good use, by delivering a staff wellbeing workshop for teams based at Jubilee Health Centre, with Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist Rachel Silva.
Bringing together a group of Sutton colleagues, Susie and Rachel used the funds with additional materials from Hospital Rooms Digital Art School box to host a painting session. Each participant decorated their own wooden coaster with acrylic paint, either by creating their own design, copying images or patterns, or using stencils.
During the session, Rachel also talked through different mindfulness techniques and how they can be used while being creative. For example, encouraging everyone to notice their surroundings and pay attention to the feeling of the paintbrush and the action of painting as they decorated their coasters.
Alongside snacks and a hot drink, the sessions meant staff could take time out from their busy day, slow down and focus on the present moment. The aim was to help staff get creative, while also leaving with a personalised coaster as a reminder to take regular breaks during the working day.
Everyone who took part had a great afternoon, with Amanda saying: “It was lovely. I felt relaxed for the rest of the day. It was a nice opportunity to switch off and connect a bit more with colleagues. WhileKevina added: “The staff wellbeing workshop was a wonderful opportunity to do something different with colleagues while taking some much-needed time for self-care. It shows how creativity can boost our mood, reduce stress and contribute to our overall wellbeing.”
The workshop builds on a wider wellbeing project at Jubilee Health Centre for both staff and patients, including art workshops for people using our services, framing artwork for display in clinic rooms and adding artificial plants around clinical rooms and waiting areas to create calmer, more therapeutic spaces.
Want to support the wellbeing our staff and patients. Why not get involved in our Trust charity! Find out more on our website or contact us at charitablefunds@swlstg.nhs.uk.
