Spinal rehabilitation patients at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore recently enjoyed a glass-fusing workshop, courtesy of local artist Suzanne Raffelini.
During Suzanne’s class, which took place in February, patients learned how to use glass-breaking tools and build fused glass suncatchers.
Suzanne is one of a handful of freelance artists hired by Horatio’s Garden, a charity which provides vibrant gardens for patients and staff at NHS spinal injury centres.
Suzanne hopes that her art classes will support those recovering from long-term injuries.
Research conducted by Horatio’s Garden indicates some of the potential benefits of taking part in such activities. When surveyed, 97 per cent of patients reported finding a distraction from pain when taking part in the programme, while 92 per cent found that their hand or arm movements were strengthened or refined as a result.
Suzanne said: “I hope that my classes can in some small way take the horribleness out of being stuck in hospital. Some people end up staying in hospital for a year or more.
“Focusing the brain on using one’s hands rather than racing thoughts is, as one patient put it, healing.”
To find out more about Horatio’s Garden, please visit www.horatiosgarden.org.uk
Photo Credit: Horatio’s Garden
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