UCLH doctors take part in art workshops

Last year, 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 wellbeing 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 art and craft activities proven to enhance overall wellbeing and reduce stress. Research shows that engaging with regular creative activity has the most long-lasting health benefits, especially for our mental wellbeing. 

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 a broad range of materials, including natural dye, ceramics, and gelli-printing, while also trying zine-making. In total, 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 the pressures of work, 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, 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 in meaningful ways."