We have people from all different backgrounds attending which will enrich our thinking, including students, patient artists, researchers, clinicians, academics, therapists and more. Much of the day will be interactive and creative. We are excited to be joined by Elle, a medical student who will lead us in journalling, Cian - newly qualified doctor bringing his poetry and Megan Tjasink Art Therapist who is pioneering the focus on clinicians. Camille Aubry - awesome Graphic Artist, will be capturing ideas shared - and has been with us for the last three flourishing symposia.
Megan Tjasink, Lead Art Psychotherapist in Cancer and Palliative Care at Barts Health NHS Trust and doctoral clinical research fellow at QMUL will share her journey from establishing a grass roots art therapy programme for and in collaboration with trainee doctors on rotation at Barts hospital to running a multicentre RCT testing art therapy for reduction of burnout and mental distress in healthcare professionals in acute hospitals. She will present some findings from the trial, the first of its kind, including participants’ experiences of personal change, improved relationships, experimental art making and creative discovery.