Memories old and new

Working with the patients from St Christopher's Hospice and the students from Brit School was a unique experience for everyone involved. Building a bridge between generations allowed each to view the other with a new perspective. The students were able to witness and attest to a living history, as the patients recounted their memories. The patients became aware of the similarities of youth through time, were invigorated by the students youthful presence and felt both respected and honoured by the interest in their stories. One patient remarked to me that they learned so much from the students as well, and that it was good to break past the stereotype in the media of youth and youth culture. Creating the drawings together of the stories they shared, help cement the bond between the two groups. The real sense of amazement came when the students presented the drawings in animated sequences. For patients at the end of their lives, to see a part of their personal stories created into a beautiful art form was quite an honour. The students entered the first day with some reservations and unwareness of what to expect, but left the last day with new friends and a new perspective of life and death and the journey in between.
- Roberto, Community Artist