For many patients a hospital stay can be an anxious and lonely experience. We aim to make the hospital more welcoming and engaging by providing a range of creative arts and performance projects.
Artist in Residence projects bring the arts right into the centre of Southmead Hospital.
In previous years, thanks to the support of Southmead Hospital Charity, our resident artist Ali has worked with patient groups from around the hospital to create curious, colourful, cosy knitted objects ranging from a giant jumper, and wonky-eyed teddies, to a knitted wisdom machine, envelopes of inspiration and even a knitted bus stop.
Ali also created the Dept of Kindness to promot self-care to staff, patients and visitors.
Creative Companions
The Creative Companions are a volunteer team who visit our elderly and complex care wards at Southmead Hospital every Tuesday afternoon to offer hands-on, creative activities at our patients' bedsides.
A visit from the Creative Companions can help lift mood, offer company and creativity, and make the hospital day pass quicker.
Volunteers commit to a six month placement which includes full training and support as well as working together to develop effective and creative activities for patients. If you’re interested in joining the Creative Companions, please contact fresh.arts@nbt.nhs.uk for an application pack.