Resident Doctor's Workshop Programme
In 2024, UCLH Arts & Heritage and our resident doctor community worked collaboratively to run a series of 10 creative workshops looking at various art-making methods aimed at improving the well-being of doctors.
The bespoke programme was co-produced by doctors at UCLH and was funded by the Louise Tebboth Foundation set up in memory of Dr Louise Tebboth, a GP who took her own life. The aims of the workshops agreed with the doctors, were to improve wellbeing, prioritise mental health, and cultivate a supportive environment by building a sense of community.
Junior doctors were engaged in visual arts and crafts activities that were proven to enhance overall well-being and reduce stress. Research shows that engaging in regular creative activity has the most long-lasting health benefits, especially for our mental well-being.
The workshops took place at local venues, such as Cockpit Studios in Bloomsbury and Rochester Square Studios in Kentish Town, to help separate the mind from the workplace.
The sessions saw the resident doctors use various materials, including natural dye, ceramics, and gelli-printing, while also trying zine-making. Almost 100 doctors took part from across the organisation, most attending more than one workshop.
Dr Natasha Angadi, who co-produced the programme with UCLH Arts & Heritage, said of her experience:
"The Junior Doctor's Creative Programme was a truly special experience. It was wonderful to come together in a creative space, step away from work pressures, and simply focus on making something with our hands. Whether it was Shibori dyeing, ceramics, or zine making, the sessions allowed us to switch off and connect with each other and ourselves to rediscover the joy of creating.
It reminded me how important it is to take time for activities that nurture our mental wellbeing and bring people together meaningfully."
About UCLH Arts & Heritage
UCLH Arts & Heritage is the hospital arts and heritage project that serves UCLH NHS Foundation Trust and its surrounding community and is funded entirely by charitable donations and fundraising. UCLH Arts & Heritage is committed to providing a welcoming, uplifting environment for all patients, visitors and staff through the use of a varied and stimulating arts and heritage programme. Its work aims to improve the patient experience, boost staff morale, increase engagement with the arts and celebrate the Trust’s unique heritage and community.
Since 2005, UCLH has worked to improve patient and staff outcomes through the Arts. It does this in a number of ways, including a changing exhibition and music programme, creative workshops on wards, artist residencies, commissioning site-specific artwork, and a staff culture club. UCLH arts and heritage receives its funding from UCLH Charity and the Friends of UCLH.
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Email: uclh.uclharts@nhs.net
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