Art therapy for residents by residents

The Surrey Hills based facility last week revealed the courtyard which had been due for an upgrade.

The residents, who contributed to the courtyard, now have a sanctuary to enjoy with their families and friends.

Keirson Whelan, BlueCross Broughtonlea leisure and lifestyle coordinator, says they wanted to create an environment for residents to “enjoy and encourage” them to connect with each other.

“This was an opportunity to involve our residents through the art therapy program and give them a place to showcase their artwork,” Ms Whelan says.

Residents of BlueCross Broughtonlea find art therapy sessions to be beneficial in building fine motor skills, improving cognitive processes and providing a social setting for meeting new people and sharing their stories.

Susan Bowditch, BlueCross Broughtonlea residence manager, remains “blown away” by the quality of the residents’ artwork. “Their amazing work brought our new courtyard to life,” she says.

The special opening event has given BlueCross Broughtonlea residents a strong sense of pride and accomplishment which will continue as further art works are added to the space.