Etching to go! Leatherhead care home takes part in a very special art class

Residents at a care home in Leatherhead picked up their pencils and charcoal to enjoy a virtual art class, led by renowned artist, Liz Atkin.

Residents and team members at Care UK’s Liberham Lodge, on Rectory Lane, enjoyed the therapeutic benefits of getting creative through a virtual art session led by artist, Liz Atkin, as part of Care UK’s ongoing partnership with The Big Draw. 

Founded in 2000, The Big Draw is a pioneering charity dedicated to raising the profile of drawing as a tool for wellbeing, thought, creativity, social and cultural engagement. Liz Atkin, an artist and Big Draw Ambassador, raises awareness of Compulsive Skin Picking through her #CompulsiveCharcoal drawings, which she often creates on busy tube and train journeys. 

During the class, residents enjoyed a talk from Liz about how drawing helped her battle with anxiety, and how art can be used as a form of therapy to overcome emotional and physical barriers to health. 

After learning more about Liz’s charcoal style of drawing, residents had the opportunity to put their own art skills to the test by following along with a live demonstration. Not wanting to miss out on the fun, team members at Liberham Lodge also rolled up their sleeves to try their best charcoal drawing. While some residents opted to create self-portraits, others drew their favourite place or memory, as encouraged by Liz. 

Commenting on the event, Liz Atkin said: “I had a brilliant time joining residents for a morning full of drawing and creativity! It was wonderful to see so many residents following along and enjoying the relaxing benefits that art brings. There were some fantastic pieces of art created and I look forward to seeing the residents and their artwork again – hopefully in person!” 

Japal Singh, General Manager at Liberham Lodge, said: “We were delighted to welcome Liz to Liberham Lodge – albeit virtually! Liz’s art class was a fantastic opportunity to get creative and try something new, while learning more about the therapeutic benefits of art from Liz’s history.  

“Here at Liberham Lodge, we believe in the power of activity-based care. Art is a wonderful way for residents to express their feelings and showcase their artistic flare through an activity where anyone can take part – and there is no right or wrong way. We want to say a big thank you to Liz and our friends at The Big Draw for taking the time to host the session. The residents loved the class, and we look forward to planning the next one soon.” 

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Liberham Lodge, incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The layout of the building has been configured to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.

To find out more about Liberham Lodge, please email Vicky Radmore, Home Admissions Advisor on Victoria.Radmore@careuk.com or call 01372 887 982.

For more general information, please visit careuk.com/liberham-lodge.