Abstract

The impact of cancer does not end after treatment. The ‘Health and Well Being Survey’ by Macmillan Cancer Support in 2008 found that cancer survivors reported poorer health and well-being than the general population. The health and well-being profile of the cancer survivor population is comparable to the population of people with a chronic condition such as diabetes or arthritis. Much of this can be attributed to the consequences of cancer treatment.
In May 2009, the National Cancer Survivorship Initiative (NCSI) undertook a mapping exercise to identify the key aspects of the health and well-being, care and support needs and experiences of people living with and beyond cancer. This mapping exercise suggests that some of the key issues for survivors include:
• psychosocial issues including anxiety, depression,
• isolation and negative impacts on self-identity or self-image,
Room for You is an arts in health charity in the North East of England. It was set up in 2001 to relieve the tension and apprehension often felt by patients (and their families) as they wait for cancer treatment or following treatment.
Room for You's unique and innovative feature is the way it pairs artists with counsellor facilitators, to ensure a high degree of sensitivity towards patients and carers and enable them to participate in the art work in a supported way.
Room for You offers a safe, accepting and transforming space within a hospital, hospice or community healthcare setting where patients and carers can engage in arts activities and/or conversation. The artwork is used as a vehicle for what we provide, which may be listening time as much as creative opportunity.
The aim is to meet the patient or carer where they are in their unique journey in a respectful, caring and supportive way.
The Room for You model demonstrates how arts in health services can alleviate stress and anxiety and assist in the development of ‘creative’ coping strategies. This paper will consider how the model can be adapted for a range of health care contexts.
Authors Marcia Ley , Project Artist ,Mark Mulqueen Arts Coordinator,
Aug 2014