Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity creates special art activity packs to entertain young patients

Children’s Hospital Charity arts programme Artfelt has distributed the packs following a fundraising campaign.

The packs include a wide range of activities, from drawing and colouring to virtual music activities.

Lois Conlan, founder of The Travelling Shadow Theatre, created a step-by-step guide to create your very own theatre, puppets and scenery so patients can put on a show of their own.

As well as shadow puppetry, activities include storytelling, sculpturing and textiles.

A special book designed by renowned Sheffield artist Pete McKee of74 the adventures of his beloved new dog Eric is also among the offering.

Artfelt manager Cat Powell said: “Artfelt Anywhere has allowed us to challenge some of the hugely talented group of artists which make up our workshop programme to replicate the same high-quality experience but in a way that patients and their families can guide and engage with themselves.

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“We are thrilled that thanks to their ingenuity and the generous support of the public through donations, hundreds of young patients across Sheffield Children’s will now benefit from the creative joy of art during anxious moments, such as before an operation or to break up long stays on the wards.”

Each pack costs £5.80 to produce. Support the effort at www.justgiving.com/campaign/artfeltanywhere/

Artfelt Sounds gives children keyboards and ukuleles and specialist keyboards for children with limited movement.

Children have iPads so that, with the help of family, the play or physiotherapy teams, they can learn how to play an instrument or just enjoy music from around the world on YouTube.

Artfelt Anywhere has also produced 500 packs and online activities for hospital staff to enjoy.

The pack contains a culture guide, with a hand-picked selection of free online activities. It also includes simple yoga and meditation exercises from teacher Nicola Harpin and a mindfulness colouring sheet from artist Sarah Abbott.Artfelt_Sheff also shares daily creative activities on Twitter.

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