'Create While You Wait' initiative launches in Cork hospital to support children and young people
Cork University Hospital (CUH) and Helium Arts, a national arts and health charity, has launched its outpatients programme - ‘Create While You Wait’ in the Seahorse Outpatient Unit at the hospital. Pictured is artist, Ashleigh Ellis with Dr Trishee of CUH
A creative initiative aimed at lowering anxiety among children and young people while they wait to be seen by a healthcare professional has been launched in Cork University Hospital (CUH).
CUH and Helium Arts, a national children’s arts and health charity, have commenced the outpatient programme - ‘Create While You Wait’ in the Seahorse Outpatient Unit at the hospital.
‘Create While You Wait’ supports children and young people, aged six to 18 years, managing lifelong health conditions, to access creative activities while they are in the waiting room.
Through an independent 2022 Helium Arts Impact Survey, 94% of children reported that they felt happier when going to hospital as a result of Helium Arts and 100% of parents indicated that both their own and their child’s healthcare experience was positively impacted.
Professional artist, Ashleigh Ellis, is designing bespoke creative activity packs and engaging with outpatients in the waiting room.
“In the waiting room, anxiety for children and parents dissolves when we engage in art,” she said.
“It transforms into a creative shelter filled with lively discussions and playful banter.
“Time passes swiftly for parents, kids proudly display their creations, and some even bring magic wands to enchant consultants and nurses.
“Nurses notice happier, calmer young patients.”
Arts officer at CUH, Edelle Nolan, said the initiative is a great way to bring some joy to pediatric outpatients.
“With the 'Create While You Wait' initiative, CUH and Helium Arts are transforming waiting rooms into spaces where children and young people can embark on creative journeys while managing their health conditions.
“We believe in the healing power of art and the boundless artistic potential of every child.
“This is a great opportunity for the children to make new friends, grow in confidence, learn new skills and have fun,” Ms Nolan said.
Founder and CEO of Helium Arts, Helene Hugel, added:
“Nurturing creativity through the arts is shown to improve coping skills, wellbeing, stress and anxiety, as well as building confidence, self-worth and a sense of hope.
“At Helium Arts, we are driven by the idea that healthcare will always be about more than treating the condition – it is about supporting people.
“And as we have seen throughout the pandemic, the arts play a vital role in supporting people, both their individual and their community wellbeing.”
Helium Arts’ national Creative Health Hub programme is supported by the Creative Ireland Programme, the Department of Health, the HSE, and the Arts Council.
The Creative Health Programme in Cork also receives funding from the Tomar Trust and Community Foundation Ireland via Christmas FM.
Further information about the work of Helium Arts is available at www.helium.ie.
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