- Room for You Hospital Arts
- NCCC
- Freeman Hospital
- High Heaton
- Newcastle on Tyne
- NE7 7DN
- Tel: 0191 213 8614/ 213 8696
Who we are
The Room for You project started in 2000 as a pilot set up by two former cancer patients, Ali Rhind and Mary Jennings. They combined their talents, Ali as an artist and Mary as a counsellor, to set up an innovative project where artist and counsellor work together in the out-patient waiting areas. As well as offering a distraction for those awaiting treatment, the project aimed to transform the dispiriting atmosphere of the waiting room, both by the presence of art activity and also through the artworks produced.
Three artists and three counsellor/facilitators now work each week at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care, with a regular programme of visiting artists. All are professionals who work on a freelance basis.
Room for You Hospital Arts is supported by a part-time co-ordinator.
Focus
Team artists
Marcia Ley
Marcia Ley is one of the Artists. She works is a painter and printmaker and has been part of the team since 2001. She also works as a lecturer at Sunderland University in the Fine Art department.
Rachel Phillimore
Ali Rhind
Ali is a textile artist who works from her studio in the Ouseburn in Newcastle. She uses traditional North East 'matmaking' techniques to make contemporary rugs, wallhangings, seating etc. She works on private and public commissions, on community projects and also runs courses. She is one of the founder members of 'Room for You'.
Team facilitators
Carolyn Thompson
Carolyn has been with the Art Service for almost four years. Although she began working life as a Graphic Designer she re-trained and is now an experienced counsellor working in G.P surgeries and in the specialist field of relationships. Her role on this team is as a facilitator.
Babs Baxter
Babs Baxter is one of the Facilitators and has been with the team for 2 years. She is a BACP Accredited Counsellor and has experience of working with a wide age range, both children and adults, and in a variety of settings.
Mary Jennings
Mary has worked as a counsellor for 10 years, including cancer care counselling. This builds on work in education and social services. Mary is one of the founder members of 'Room for You'.