Subject: Funding for disabled creative arts group: Plymouth.

Hello ...

My name is Paul and five years ago I suffered a stroke. Before the stroke I worked as a graphic and free-lance artist and tutor in Computer Aided Design. The stroke left me with left-sided weakness, concentration problems and some of the emotional control issues common to stroke. Since the stroke I have become a volunteer for The Stroke Association ...

The first thing that came to my notice after joining The Stroke Association was the chronic lack of any groups focusing on art and creativity amongst stroke survivors, and the awful truth that many stroke survivors had been told that such activities were now beyond them. This both shocked and angered me, as my own experience proved that any form of art or creative activity can be a valuable aid in both rehabilitation into the so-called normal world, and as therapy for stroke damaged limbs and minds.

With this in mind I mentioned my concerns to The Stroke Association and proposed that a creative arts group for stroke survivors would be an idea worth following up. Thankfully, this concept was greeted with enthusiasm  and, some time later, a small grant was obtained from Plymouth City Council; enabling the setting up of a dedicated arts group for stroke survivors and their carers - an often neglected component to rehabilitation.

The first meeting of the group proved to be a great success ... And we now have fifteen members. Some of these members are experiencing the simple joy of creativity for the first time. Others are getting back into it after years of believing that they simply could not do such a thing any more. The group ranges from people with severe physical problems, along with cognitive, language and communication difficulties, visual impairment and the lack of self esteem that often accompanies any form of chronic disability, to those who simply want to get involved with something fun and creative. The group also works well as a social outlet, enabling members to meet and work alongside others that understand the physical and emotional problems associated with stroke.

And now for the reason behind this thread ... I was wondering if anybody out there can give me advise as to how to gather further funding for this group. Present funding should enable the group to continue until the end of this year. But I fear that, without further funding, I might have to dissolve the group after this initial twelve month period. Which would be a sad loss to the stroke community. The group "ART BOX" is run with the help of The Stroke Association on a purely non-profit-making basis, with all materials supplied, and a qualified tutor - myself - working on a voluntary basis. Activities include sketching, pen-and-ink, water colours, acrylics, sculpture and glass-engraving. Group meetings are held twice a month. A small session fee - £2.50 - is charged for renewal of materials, and to go towards an end of term exhibition. The exhibition designed to show other stroke survivors and the general public that stroke is not the bleak prospect that, sadly, many believe it to be.

My thanks for your interest in this thread.

Please feel free to contact me at paulwinter1@orange.net.

Regards.

Paul Winter "ART BOX"