04/06/2026
The Western Trust Macmillan Health & Wellbeing Campus at Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry/Londonderry recently hosted an event to highlight how creativity promotes wellbeing for people impacted by cancer. The event marked the culmination of a number of creative projects at the Campus and celebrated the unveiling of three art installations created by people who have experienced a cancer diagnosis.
Karen Hargan, Western Trust Chief Executive, expressed her delight at attending the Macmillan Health & Wellbeing Campus Creativity for Wellbeing event, celebrating the invaluable work supporting people affected by cancer. Karen highlighted the Campus as a welcoming and supportive space, offering holistic services that nurture both physical and emotional wellbeing. She praised the diverse programme of workshops, creative activities, and the dedication of staff, volunteers and charity partners, noting how these initiatives help people connect, rebuild confidence and support their recovery. Karen emphasised the positive impact of creative opportunities on engagement and wellbeing, and thanked everyone involved for their commitment and compassion, which make the Campus a truly special place.”
Lesley Finlay, Macmillan Campus Manager explained:
“Macmillan Health & Wellbeing Campus offers a range of supports to people impacted by cancer including anyone who experiences a cancer diagnosis, their loved ones and carers as well as those who have been bereaved by cancer. We have worked with a number of partner organisations to offer a range of workshops which give those impacted by cancer the opportunity to engage in creative programmes to support their wellbeing. Recent programmes included making decorative willow wreaths, making and decorating bird boxes, flower arranging and a therapeutic photography programme delivered by The Bloom Project, St Columb’s Park House, John Paul Florist and Belfast Exposed.”
Lesley acknowledged ‘Yarn Away’ crochet & knitting group as the people who first highlighted the value of creativity in supporting wellbeing at Macmillan Campus. ‘Yarn Away’ are a group of women who have experienced a cancer diagnosis and have met weekly at the Macmillan Campus for almost 3 years. They offer mutual support while making a range of items which they donate into the hospital including blankets, fidget muffs for dementia patients, trauma teddies for children attending day case, minor injuries, children’s ward & Emergency Department, crosses in your pocket distributed by chaplaincy to patients who are unwell or at end of life and angel gowns, hats, hearts and teddies for babies born sleeping and the memory boxes treasured by their bereaved parents.
Lesley highlighted:
“’Yarn Away’ demonstrated to us just how much engaging in creative activities promotes connection with others, aids relaxation and supports overall wellbeing. Our Creativity and Wellbeing event celebrates this and in particular marks the unveiling of three pieces of artwork produced by people impacted by cancer who participated in workshops delivered by leading arts, health & wellbeing organisation Arts Care. These projects were made possible by funding from the Strategic Planning & Performance Group of the Department of Health. They have not only given participants the opportunity to learn new creative skills, but they have provided beautiful and meaningful art installations which really enhance our environment. Thanks to Steph and Talitha at Arts Care and to artists Seliena Coyle and Bronagh Corr-McNicholl who facilitated the workshops.”
Stephanie Stafford Artistic and Operations Director with Arts Care said:
“Arts Care are thrilled to be working with cancer services within the Western Trust, supporting people affected by cancer through meaningful creative activity. The recent programme has included a range of projects such as cyanotype and photography workshops and a dedicated men’s art project, each creating welcoming spaces for participants to connect, learn new skills, and express themselves creatively. It has been wonderful to see the quality of engagement, the sense of community developed through the sessions, and the positive impact these projects are having on participants’ wellbeing and confidence.”
Gary Taylor participated in the men’s art project which resulted in a piece of artwork now proudly displayed at the entrance to Macmillan Support Centre called ‘Hope and Reflection’. The piece is a flock of quirky birds made from recycled aluminium street signs shaped using assemblage, drilling and pop riveting which celebrates individuality, creativity and the uplifting power of possibility. Gary said: “participating in this programme gave me the opportunity to meet people who have also been impacted by cancer and allowed me to create something positive for others to enjoy while creating a welcome distraction at a time that was challenging for me.”
The celebration event also recognised the creativity of two Western Trust volunteers who give up their time to support those who use the Macmillan Campus. Malachy is a volunteer gardener who has nurtured the garden at the Campus, creating a relaxed and beautiful space full of colour, scent and movement which comforts and uplifts all who use the Campus. Jeannie volunteers at the Campus offering regular arts and crafts sessions which encourage people to have fun creating something unique, meet new friends and hold space for each other when living with and beyond cancer.
The Macmillan Campus hopes to build on this legacy of creativity with plans in the coming months including workshops in creative writing, music, circus skills, tile printing and a street art project.
For more information on supports and programmes offered at Macmillan Health & Wellbeing Campus, contact: HWB.Campus@westerntrust.hscni.net or (028) 71611272.