For many patients, one of the first services they’re introduced to at Ashgate Hospice is Day Services. It’s a welcoming space where they can access a wide range of care, from expert medical advice and outpatient support to psychological, emotional, and spiritual guidance. 

But one of the biggest things people take away from Day Services is friendship. Spending time with others who truly understand what they’re going through can be a huge source of comfort and nowhere is that more evident than in our group creative therapy sessions.

Activities Coordinator, Ami Brunyee, runs weekly creative therapy sessions at Day Services, giving patients the chance to tap into their artistic side. Many rediscover a love for art, while others find new ways to express themselves – but for everyone, it’s an opportunity to relax, chat, and connect.    

 Ami explains why creative therapy is such a vital part of hospice care: 

“The primary goal of these activities is to create a distraction from the daily challenges our patients may be facing – whether it’s frequent hospital appointments, pain, or stress. Having this time to focus on something fun and creative makes such a difference to their wellbeing. 

“Alongside arts and crafts, we have a range of games and activities available – a particular group of patients are big fans of the classics and compete in regular domino games. 

“But I always put on a new creative activity each session, changing things up with the seasons and awareness days. And when the weather’s nice, we take things outside and grow plants in the hospice garden.”  

Breaking the ice and building friendships

Creativity is a powerful way to bring people together, and Ami has seen first-hand how friendships flourish during these sessions. 

“The friendships that develop during these sessions are wonderful to see, creative therapy really helps to break the ice. While patients focus on creating something, worry fades away and allows conversations to flow and friendships to grow. 

“The benefits go beyond just making art – these sessions help to improve mood and concentration, reduce anxiety and stress, and support general wellbeing. Group sessions also help build community and togetherness. No one can understand the experience of living with a life-limiting or incurable illness better than someone who’s going through it too. 

“One patient, who was initially hesitant to take part, was gently encouraged by our team to give it a go. After starting with a Christmas advent calendar, she now joins every session and is even part of our ‘Knit and Natter’ group. She’s shared how much the sessions have helped her and how reassuring it is to be around people who just get it.” 

Ami takes great pride in her work at Ashgate and has built strong bonds with many of the patients she supports: 

“It always amazes me how many patients say they’re ‘not creative’ – yet by the end of the session, they’ve made something brilliant and had a great time doing it! 

“One patient who has been coming to Ashgate for years has developed a real passion for watercolour painting – a keen hobby of my own. We now share our paints and works, and I’ve taught her the importance of using high quality paints for the craft.” 

A new chapter for Day Services

With Ashgate’s refurbishment completing in April 2025, Day Services has reopened with a bigger, more inclusive space. The improved facilities mean we can now run multiple sessions at a time for an extra two days a week – allowing even more patients to access support earlier in their diagnosis. 

Want to find out more about our newly refurbished Day Services and how we’re supporting even more people? Visit our refurbishment page.