Grants

The Charity supports grant applications which either improve the environment or experiences of staff, patients and visitors through the addition of art and design. Projects range from artist-in-residence schemes, to poetry, storytelling, temporary exhibitions and art installations. Further details of suitable schemes and advice may be sought either from Anne Rigby or Karen Sarkissian.

The Neonatal Unit
The Charity awarded a grant of £17,500 to install a specially commissioned commemorative stained glass window by Carole Nunes in the counselling room in the new Neonatal Unit. The window was created in memory of the Late Reverend Anne Harley, chaplain of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust until her death in 2000.

Sue Burnby said: "Parents have told me that the poetry on the glass is particularly comforting. The beautiful window is a real distraction for parents who need some time for reflection."

A visual language for pain

An innovative use of art in health aims to help people with chronic pain communicate what they are feeling to health professionals, family and friends.

The project was initiated by artist Deborah Padfield, who channeled her own frustration at the difficulty of expressing something as invisible as pain into the project. Her aim was to help raise awareness about the difficulties of communicating pain.

A small grant from the Charity enabled Deborah to exhibit the photographs developed in collaboration with chronic pain sufferers from the INPUT Unit. The exhibition formed the basis of a book entitled perceptions of pain which includes personal accounts of those involved.

Informally, the images have been judged clinically helpful in offering a communicative focus for both patient and health professionals.