SICK children are being helped to draw on inner resources to get through tough times as a result of art therapy sessions in the Children’s Ark unit at University Hospital Limerick (UHL).
The sessions are a new addition to the range of therapies and programmes to help children develop and to deal with being unwell.
The Children’s Ark has introduced a range of programmes to break up the day and help children cope with illness through the mediums of art and music. These involve both qualified therapists and artists running more informal events.
One of the more recent initiatives is the weekly art therapy sessions being run by art therapist Sheila Richardson, who has over more than 20 years experience of working with children and adolescents.
“Art therapy is a form of therapy that uses art materials to gain insight and awareness to facilitate change and growth. It is perfect for young people as it provides a gentle and safe way for them to explore their feelings verbally and non-verbally”, she explained.
Music is also helping children cope with illness and to recover at the Children’s Ark and the wards have been filled with the sounds of Music Generation Limerick, whose Peter Hannigan and Emma Langford are now regular performers in the Ark.
