Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust (THAT) was set up in 2002 to develop the role of the arts in healthcare across the area of NHS Tayside. THAT develops and delivers Creative Engagement Projects and responds to enquiries which have clear Arts and Healthcare content.

For the last ten years I have had the privilege of working on some brilliant projects with THAT, first as a volunteer and latterly as Lead Artist. Tay Online is an ongoing online group for people in Angus who are living with long term conditions. Throughout our sessions I have been blown away by the standard of writing and the passion and enthusiasm the writers have brought to the programme.

Work from our Writers…and an introduction

Elisheva ‘The Bothy.’

Bev ‘Fenella.’

Moira ‘The Shore.’

Moira says:

“I have loved reading as far back as I can remember, especially books that transport me to different periods of history and far-flung exotic places whether on this planet or elsewhere in the galaxy.  To be part of the Tay Online Creative Writing Group has been a great privilege and experience for me because the encouragement, challenges and exchanges within the group have allowed me to venture into the sometimes scary world of creative writing.” 

Evelyn ‘Anne with a ‘e’.’

Pam ‘Stone Cottage.’

Pam says:

“I like to write. I love to express my thoughts onto paper with words in creative writing  and drawings. As I let go in a creative way I open the door of my imagination and It helps me to focus on the now to enjoy the present  moment and have fun. The words from my thoughts flow with pen to paper re-connecting,  bringing healing calmness and peace of mind.”

Sheina. ‘Such a character.’

Fiona: ‘Stig of the Penthouse.’

Fiona says:

“I write longhand with a flowing pen and good notebook .I find the physical act of looping my cursive, freestyle handwriting across the page is therapeutic and allows whatever thoughts or images are in my mind to trickle down through my arm and hand, through the pen and onto the page.  This is for me how it must be for artists when they paint or draw, it is my expression of creative work and words.

I love to be given a topic or prompt and see what I can make of it.  The unknown is exciting and fresh.”

Some images and words inspired by the V&A Kimono Exhibition…