Case Study: Veronica’s Journey with Trinity’s Art for Wellbeing Programme
As we look ahead to March and prepare to celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re spotlighting Veronica, a member of our Art for Wellbeing group who first connected with Trinity last year. Her story reflects the power of creative community spaces to shift perceptions, build confidence, and reconnect people with long‑forgotten passions.
For a long time, Veronica didn’t pay much attention to what was happening at Trinity. She had heard negative stories in the past, and those early impressions lingered. “I didn’t take any notice before,” she admits. “But now I see what is happening.”
When she joined one of our arts and craft sessions last year, she discovered a completely different Trinity to the one she had imagined.
“I’ve learnt so much and met such lovely people … that’s not how I imagined it would be.”
What surprised her most was the warmth of the people she met and the sheer amount of activity taking place behind our doors. “There are friendly people,” she says, “but that’s not how I imagined it would be.”
Reconnecting With Creativity
Creativity isn’t new to Veronica. Her mother was a skilled artist, and Veronica has vivid childhood memories of watching her work, learning alongside her. But as life unfolded, first her nursing training and exam commitments, then raising a family, art gradually slipped out of view.
Now retired, Veronica is determined not to sit at home.
“There’s no way I’m going to sit down at home.”
Instead, she seeks out opportunities to be active, social, and creative. That’s what drew her to Trinity’s Art for Wellbeing programme.
Even though Trinity is outside her neighbourhood, Veronica chooses to travel here because she enjoys meeting new people in a fresh environment.
“I am just happy to get up in the morning and come over.”
For her, the social aspect is just as valuable as the creative one. Being surrounded by others inspires new ideas:
“You get ideas from people.”
Her daughter was initially surprised she was attending the programme, “I can’t believe you are going to this!” but after seeing her artwork, her family understands the joy it brings her.
Veronica vividly remembers her first visit:
“I was shocked!”
She now realises how much she had missed out on by not coming sooner, but is grateful to have found the group when she did.
About Art for Wellbeing
Launched in October last year, Trinity’s Art for Wellbeing programme is delivered in partnership with the Bristol School of Art. This free course invites adults of all abilities to explore art in a relaxed, supportive setting.
Participants experiment with a wide variety of mediums, including lino print, acrylics, clay, and collage, to build confidence, develop personal artistic expression, and support overall well-being.
No previous art experience is required. All materials, light refreshments, and bus travel support are provided, and participants simply need to be able to commit to the full course duration.
Finding Connection Through Creativity
Veronica’s journey is a reminder of how creative spaces can change perceptions, support wellbeing, and bring people together. Her experience shows how stepping into something new, even unexpectedly, has the power to lead to new friendships, rediscovered passions, and a renewed sense of purpose.
“I’ve learnt so much and met such lovely people.”
