Art Therapy for Mental Health Carers

Sutton Carers Centre
Sep 29
3 min read

NEW!! Autumn 2025 'Pause and Create' Workshops connecting through Art and Mindfulness Tasters online OR in person this October for Carers, friends and family.

The following details have been supplied by SWLStG, so if you have any questions or want to book a space, please contact maura.davies@swlstg.nhs.uk as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Discover the power of creativity and presence to support emotional wellbeing

Join a gentle and supportive taster workshop for unpaid Carers, exploring therapeutic art-making and mindfulness practices—no prior art or meditation experience required. The session offers a welcoming, inclusive, and non-judgemental space that values diversity, equality, and accessibility for all participants.

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy combines psychological approaches and creative expression to help individuals explore emotions and experiences—especially when words are not enough. Through drawing, painting, collage, and sculpture, art therapy encourages personal reflection, healing, and self discovery.

What will happen during the workshop?

You will have a chance to learn about the use of art for wellness and have a hands-on experience that you can continue to build on after the workshop ends. The workshop aims to promote relaxation, provide skills for self-care, increase confidence, and provide resources and information about art therapy and mindfulness plus opportunities for further healing.

Both of these creative Art and Mindfulness workshops will be facilitated by Renata Russo, with Zoe Hannam (Senior Peer Support Worker, Carer Involvement Team) co-facilitating.

About Renata

Renata is a qualified Art Psychotherapist with training in both art and psychology. In addition, Renata is an ABA Therapist and an Integrated Therapist, bringing a rich and diverse skill set to therapeutic work. With many years of experience across a range of settings, Renata holds a special interest in trauma-informed therapy and is deeply passionate about promoting inclusion. Renata works closely with individuals to help them process and understand their inner world, using creative expression as a powerful and accessible medium for communication and healing.

About Zoe

Zoe is a mindfulness teacher and Senior Carer Peer Support Worker for SWLSTG’s Involvement Team. She is a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) specialist, trained at Bangor’s Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice. Zoe is interested in how creativity can positively impact carers' well-being. Drawing on the recovery-focused model, her lived experience, and her professional skills, she works creatively alongside carers—incorporating mindfulness-based approaches with a key focus on carers’ mental health and well-being.

As this is not an art class, no previous experience is necessary.

Workshops details:

In-person Taster Workshops - Tuesday 7th October 10.30am–12.30pm

at The Art Therapy Studio, Elizabeth Newton Building, Springfield University Hospital,

Elizabeth Newton Way, London SE17 0YF

See below directions to the Elizabeth Newton Building.

If you need any assistance in finding the Art Therapy Studio on the day, please contact Zoe on 07725 048331. Also, look out for the yellow direction signs to the Art Therapy Studio.

Online Taster Workshops - Tuesday 14th October 10.30am–12.30pm (MS Teams link will be sent once attendance is confirmed)

For the online workshop, please have your art materials ready in advance so you can relax and enjoy the session. You can use anything you like – for example: paper (A4, A3, or A2), colouring pencils, felt tips, charcoal, watercolours, or ready-mix paint. Or simply, paper and pencil.

The Art Therapy Studio is at Elizabeth Newton Building, Springfield University Hospital, Elizabeth Newton Way, London SE17 0YF

There is now a small car park situated on Springfield Drive. You will need to use the RingGo app. Please be aware that spaces are limited in this car park, so we cannot guarantee availability for everyone. Alternative parking is available in nearby residential roads; please read the parking restriction signs.

If you need any assistance in finding the Art Therapy Studio on the day, please contact Zoe on 07725 048331. Also, look out for the yellow direction signs to the Art Therapy Studio.

Travelling to The Art Therapy Studio

Via Springfield Drive

If driving, there is a carpark on Springfield Drive (limited spaces) – on the right (RingGo App required for payment). If no spaces available, there is parking on nearby residential roads, please read parking restrictions.

On foot - follow signs towards Trinity/Shaftsbury/Storey Buildings (Springfield Drive) Once you’ve passed Storey Building, turn left onto Lapidge Drive. Continue forward on Lapidge Drive. Newton Building is on your right (after the new housing estate) When safe to do so, cross over Lapidge Drive (keeping Newton Building on your right) – turn left onto Elizabeth Newton Way