Homelessness can cause a huge amount of emotional distress and add to existing mental health issues.
For people experiencing anxiety or depression, it can be difficult to speak about upsetting memories, or process negative emotions.
This can be especially true of veterans who may have been through highly traumatic experiences. This is where art therapy has huge benefits.
Veterans have been involved with a weekly art therapy class to help them express their thoughts and relax.
Over several weeks, the veterans worked closely with a tutor on their own projects. They were responsible for choosing the materials they used and taking care of their brushes and paints after each session.
Nora Yates, who ran the sessions, explained:
“The tactile nature of paint or pencil on paper distracts from anxieties, and provides a respite that calms both body and mind.”
