Jennie Pears (right) with a Suffolk Artlink Artist (left)
In celebration of National Carer’s Week, we’d like to introduce you to the lovely Jennie Pears. We met Jennie, who cares for a family member, when she attended our Creative Company arts sessions in Stowmarket.
What did you enjoy most about taking part in Creative Company?
It gave me the chance to take part in a variety of fun, creative activities, developing forgotten skills and encouraging me to think of new ways to express myself. It has enabled me to have time for myself and given me the chance to share creative experiences with the person I care for.
How has Creative Company made a difference to your life?
I feel that I have gained so much from the sessions, so when the project ended, I decided that I would help to continue running workshops in 2018. We aim to make the sessions relaxed and friendly, allowing participants to take part in a variety of creative activities using paint, word, paper, textiles and more.
Now I’m running a lot of the sessions it’s got me thinking about what would be a good activity, a good idea and made me get my brain working instead of just sitting back.
How has Creative Company inspired you?
It has inspired me to do more art. If I’m doing something and I haven’t finished it, it has inspired me to take it home and finish it off. Normally I’d put my children’s work on the walls but not my work, but because I’ve done things that I’m so pleased with, it’s got me putting things up on the wall.
Describe Suffolk Artlink in three words
Creative, fun, friendly
Jennie runs Creative Process, an art group for adult family carers, alongside Ruth Coomber. The group meets regularly at Stowmarket Community Centre and carers are welcome to attend either on their own, or with the person for whom they care. No previous experience of art is necessary.
For more information please contact Jennie on 07979 452061 or jenniepears@sky.com.