At HammondCare Darlinghurst, our residential care home for older people at risk of experiencing homelessness, Arts on Prescription gives residents an opportunity to explore their creativity and express what matters to them

Led by artist practitioner Stu Ewings, the program uses art as a way for residents to reflect on their experiences, reconnect with important memories and create work that is meaningful to them.

A key part of the process is reminiscence. Through conversation and storytelling, Stu works alongside residents to explore subjects they may wish to paint or draw. For one person, it might be a place they loved growing up. For another, it could be a memory, a person or an experience that has shaped their life.

"Through the Foundation, the work that I do is to stand by people and support them to express themselves, however that might be possible," says Stu. "To be heard and seen and understood."

Stu uses reminiscence and creative expression as therapeutic tools, helping residents reflect on and communicate things that are important to them.

"From the outside, it can look like colouring in, but really it runs a bit deeper," he says. "We're trying to give people a platform to express something that is important to them."

Sometimes that begins with learning to draw. Sometimes it means helping someone find the materials or encouragement they need to keep going. Whatever form it takes, the focus is on supporting each person to explore their own interests, experiences and ideas through art.

Creating the artwork is only part of the experience.

"We can forget the value of sitting and talking, the value of art is provided by the audience."

By taking the time to listen, encourage and witness the creative process, Arts on Prescription helps residents tell their stories in a different way. Through art, memories can be revisited, experiences explored and ideas shared, creating opportunities for people to express something important about themselves.