Inspired by the Life Seals that I have made in my own personal geographies practice.‘Your Stamp on Life’ is a creative wellbeing project designed to offer meaningful engagement and self-expression for socially isolated and lonely older people who are unable to leave their homes due to health, mobility or confidence challenges. Created as part of my MA in Arts Practice (Arts, Health and Wellbeing) and delivered through the Creative Home Delivery Service provided by the inspiring social, arts and health charity People Speak Up.
The Creative Home Delivery Service provides home visits to those who are older, lonely and isolated, through the medium of visual arts, storytelling, creative writing, music, movement and more. People Speak Up offer this unique service in partnership with Carmarthenshire County Council and Hywel Dda Health Board and is funded by Arts Council of Wales.
My project explores personal identity, memory and a sense of belonging. I invite each participant to share and reflect on significant objects and experiences from their life through one-hour creative sessions over the course of four weeks. Working collaboratively and in conversation, we create meaningful artworks. I take participants on a journey to express their unique stories and have their voices heard through creativity, connection and joy.
“It’s very much about sharing, being in the moment. I’m sharing my story so that the people I’m working with can tell me their story.” ~ Pauline Le Britton
Attend to love
“You keep saying “do you want to wash your hands?” And I keep saying no! this is so nice.”
— Participant
“I decided on the heart shape because I think love is what it’s all about. It feels important to me that we try to be as loving and compassionate as we can. I am a Quaker and there is a saying of Quakers “attend to what love requires of you” and I’ve titled this piece Attend to Love because that feels important. ”
— Participant
“...It’s really taking me out of myself and it’s been an opportunity to just play. I’m not an accomplished artist, but I do like to make and share it. This project with you and People Speak Up is about playing and expressing yourself and that’s just lovely. And the company, you’re such good company.”
— Participant
My crust of life
“Even though I don’t fly on holidays anymore I still hope I may have the chance in the future to travel once again and go back to a fabulous destination once more and if not my happy memories will keep me going.”
— Participant
“My scissors were my darling much-loved Granny’s sewing scissors who first introduced me as a child to sewing and I am now teaching myself to make quilted patchwork bags, any kind of bag!”
— Participant
“I think my ‘crust of life’ is brilliant and Pauline you have talked me through it perfectly and I would never have thought to try to do anything like that or even be capable of doing it.”
— Participant
“It has been an absolute pleasure welcoming you into my home and thank you so very much for the happiness you have brought me.”
— Participant
What a journey
“You’ve made my day today. Because it was boring. But now you’ve brought me to life.”
“During Pauline’s placement on our Creative Home Delivery project, she has brought new creative activities, with a personal touch into participants’ homes. This has added an exciting dynamic to the home visits. The feedback from participants and the creative team has been extremely positive. We are grateful for the work Pauline has done on her placement with People Speak Up.”
— Carys Phillips, Project Co-ordinator, People Speak Up
