Grief affects us all in many ways and it is helpful for bereaved parents to find an activity that helps them to either channel their grief or try to relax and switch off from all the emotions.
Some people find exercise really helpful; others may like to read, and being creative is another way that might help parents. Whilst we are grieving our lives can feel very out of control.
Julia Smith from The Drawing Room in Hinckley says “during an art class you are in control and there is so much we have no control over, but art we have”.
It is important to remember that you do not have to be an expert to benefit from art therapy….all art is always therapeutic.
Julia goes on to say that “It is not about being talented, it is purely about engaging and getting absorbed.”
Colours can represent feelings, for example blue is often seen as being a ‘calm’ colour, whilst red is seen as being more ‘angry.’ By putting these colours onto paper, we are allowing our emotions to be communicated outside of our mind. The art we create can help us to put meaning and words to a difficult or traumatic experience.
Art activities vs. art therapy
It is important to note that there is a difference between taking part in an art activity, and having Art Therapy. The big notable difference is that Art Therapy is facilitated by a qualified Art Therapist, who will use the session to support and empower people who are feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
The Bodie Hodges Foundation provides an art based peer-to-peer support group for bereaved mums. Creative Grief is one of our peer to peer support groups that meets once a month at The Drawing Room in Hinckley. The sessions are a safe space for bereaved mums to come together and talk about their lived experiences of child death with others who ‘get it.’
During the session they will create a piece of artwork under the guidance of their wonderful art teacher, Julia Smith.
As you can see below, some beautiful pieces of art have been created during these sessions.
The mums who attend this group have gained a lot of positivity from their sessions, as well as creating a small community of people who understand and are there for each other. As a child bereavement charity, it makes us incredibly happy to receive feedback such as the below:
The bereaved mums who attend the group gain a great deal from their sessions. By taking part in an art workshop, they are focused on the activity, allowing them to chat freely without feeling worried or self-conscious whilst they talk.
If you are interested in finding out more about our Creative Grief peer to peer support group, you can find out more here, or drop us an email
In addition, if you are looking for more information regarding Art Therapy and how it supports bereavement of any age or terminal illness, Marie Curie have a dedicated webpage to explore this further.
If you’re looking for an Art Therapist in the UK, The British Association of Art Therapists has a ‘Find Art Therapy’ locator on their website:
