Care home art classes help grandmother tackle depression and lose seven stone

A grandmother has managed to regain her confidence and lose seven stone, after taking up drawing again at art classes at a care home in Wales.

Gaynor Jones, who has respite care at Pendine Park care home in Wrexham, due to mobility problems and depression, gave up drawing after being told as a child that she was no good.

"I used to draw a lot as a child. I’d do stuff from cartoons, like Mickey Mouse that sort of thing. But I was told my drawings were rubbish and I shouldn’t bother wasting my time. I lost all confidence and never really drew anything again until I started coming to Penybryn.”

She was encouraged to join the art classes and began sketching. “There are two seagulls that live by me at Gwespyr. I see them all the time and I call them George and Mildred. I drew them on my first try in the art group at Penybryn and Nicky Clarke, the enrichment activities co-ordinator, told me my drawing was brilliant.

“That gave me confidence. Now I can’t wait to get to Pendine Park for my respite visits so I can draw and enjoy what I do. I really get on with the residents and love the fact no one judges you, people tell me they like my work and that has encouraged me.”

Gaynor, who uses a wheelchair and is unable to stand, says the confidence she has gained since going to Penybryn has been a life-changing experience for her.

“I suffered depression. I never went out of the house, I simply couldn’t face it. I wouldn’t talk to anyone other than my partner and family. I’d stay in bed for weeks at a time and my weight ballooned to over 28 stone.

“I now have to use a wheelchair and I have a social worker and carers who come four times a day. I do manage, with help, to go swimming once a week which I found exhausting but I’m now down to 21 stone and still losing weight. Hopefully I’ll be able to stand again in the future.”

Gaynor, who has three children and three grandchildren, Luke, 13, Kadymae, nine, and Jack, three, now wishes she had been "drawing for years and maybe gone to an art college and made something of myself. I just love coming on respite to Penybryn, the staff are fantastic and the residents are like my extended family, no one judges me. I’m not so depressed now.

“It really is down to Nicky and the Pendine Park staff that I have gained so much confidence. It’s amazing they want to put on an exhibition of my drawings at Penybryn. That really is something special and I’m so proud.”

Penybryn enrichment and activities co-ordinator Nicky Clarke said: “Gaynor just needed a boost and when we saw how well she could draw I think everyone was shocked. Her drawings are unbelievably good and really professional.

“She’s fitted in so well and clearly enjoys coming here for her respite sessions. We have noticed a big difference and I’m sure her family have too. She’s now happier and has so much more confidence.”

Artist in residence Sarah Edwards is putting on a display of Gaynor's work in the foyer of the Pendine's Penybryn centre which specialises in providing care for people with brain injuries and other neurological problems.

She called Gaynor “a truly gifted artist” and said: “It’s a shame that for so long she didn’t draw or practice any art.

”She is certainly making up for lost time and I look forward to seeing the exhibition of her work going on display.

"We believe here at Pendine Park that the arts have a big role to play in how we enrich the lives of our residents and encourage them to make the most of their talents.”

click here for more details or to contact Pendine Park Care Organisation Ltd