Celebrating our volunteers: Gerri’s story
As a Trust, we are supported by around 400 volunteers each year who bring their own individual skills, experience and passion to the Trust.
Today we are highlighting the incredible work of Gerri, a volunteer who has been supporting the Sunday creative group on Ruskin Ward. This group began with Gerri and has now grown into a larger team bringing creativity, music and connection to the wards each week.
Using lived experience to help others
On top of being one of our volunteers, Gerri is a service user and lives with bipolar disorder. Having been sectioned and a patient on Ruskin Ward in the past, she shared that the brightest part of her week was when the activity room was open.
She said: “I realised that as a volunteer, one of the key things we do is open the Activity Room and facilitate the space for service users to do arts and crafts, since I benefited from creative activities as a patient and because mental health issues can be alleviated through creative expression.”
Gerri is an artist by background, and creative is essential to maintaining her wellbeing. She wanted to give back and make a difference.
“There isn't much to do on the ward, so when someone comes in and opens the door to invite you to make some art, people really jump at the chance. It creates a space for patients to talk, to open up, and feel heard by you.”
Creating structure and creativity on the wards
Sunday creative group create a space for creativity and gentle structure for the patients during their weekly routine. Music signals the start of the session before patients choose how they want to express themselves. Self-expression in these sessions often shows up through painting, drawing, collaging embroidery, journalling, karaoke and more.
The British Psychological Society notes “a recent review identified outcomes from art therapy for service users, including improved relationships; gaining perspective; personal achievement and empowerment; relaxation; and crucially, an understanding of illness, self and future.”
Although Gerri spent her career as a government lawyer, she describes herself as an artist first and foremost. In retirement, she now has time to focus on arts, music, and writing, working mainly with acrylic paint, collage work, and abstract art.
She said: “I like to express my struggles with bipolar disorder through my art and writing, and what I’ve experienced in terms of psychosis. A lot of that I find I can only express through art and writing, and I find it helps me to come to terms with my diagnosis.”
A lasting reminder of emotions and experiences on the ward
Gerri believes the group offers something simple yet powerful, giving the patients and volunteers a safe space to create and relax.
Many patients opt to take home their artwork once they’ve been discharged as a memory of their experience and emotions at the time. Creating a space for self-expression through creative art is a fundamental part of recovery and can often encourage people to continue doing art once they leave hospital to stay mentally well. Gerri has often thought about starting her own community arts organisation one day but for now, she continues to bring joy, compassion, and creativity to the Ruskin Ward – alongside volunteers Emma, Jane and Reilly.
