Leaving a mark: Art Therapist reflects on 17 years of service at local cancer charity
Whether it was in an art room, out in the community or on the wards of the hospital, hundreds of local people on a cancer journey didn’t have to travel it alone thanks to Belfast-based Art Therapist, Joanne Boal.
With a career spanning over 17 years, Joanne has worked for leading local cancer charity, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland as an Art Therapist and has helped adults, children, and families deal with a cancer diagnosis through art and journalling – something particularly beneficial when people find it difficult to find the words to describe their feelings and emotions.
Joanne said: “A cancer diagnosis can be a lonely and isolating experience, with even the most loving family and friends not fully able to grasp the realities of what it feels like to be in their loved one’s shoes. Having a safe space to come and meet others in a similar position to you when you are at your most vulnerable, and discuss your hopes and fears, is essential.”
She continued: “Creative expression can foster healing and help process the trauma of a cancer diagnosis, and it has been the privilege of my career to work for Cancer Focus NI. To know that art therapy is a source of someone’s joy and healing during one of the most difficult times of their lives is truly a humbling experience.”
It was Joanne’s own experience with grief and cancer that hit home the importance of her work, having lost her sister to the disease nine years ago. Joanne reflects on that difficult time: “Seeing the impact the loss of my sister had on my nephew, her husband, and my parents, really showed me the importance of art as an outlet when fear and grief can be overwhelming. She always told me I was making a difference, and I can still feel that she’s here with me through my work.”
The impact of Art Therapy can be life-changing, to both the individual diagnosed with cancer and their family. Joanne notes a particular session with a child she was visiting in the hospital: “I really loved bringing the charity’s art therapy service to the Children’s Hospital. There was one little girl in particular who loved Rapunzel and, after painting our nails, we began drawing pictures of the princess. By the time the girl’s mum returned from getting a coffee, she couldn’t believe the difference in her daughter. After just 30 minutes of the service, the woman said she had got her little girl back. That memory has stayed with me for years and reminds me of the difference that services provided by Cancer Focus NI can make on people’s lives.”
Joanne’s positive attitude, welcoming nature, and kitchen skills will be greatly missed by the staff and clients of Cancer Focus NI. Pat McClelland, Director of Services emphasised the impact Joanne has made during her time with the organisation, she said: “Joanne has touched the lives of countless people with her memorable fashion sense and fantastic cooking skills. Every colleague and client of Joanne’s can bear testimony to her homemade cakes, quiches, and soups, which bring smiles to faces and encourage people to sit around the table and converse. However, it is Joanne’s passion and dedication to her clients that she will be remembered for most and I thank her for all that she has done for the charity and wish her the very best for the next exciting chapter of her life.”
The charity has been in communication with art therapy patients over the past month and all have been notified of short-term changes to the delivery of the service. As Cancer Focus NI progresses with plans to open its very first Therapeutic Cancer Support Centre in Enniskillen this spring, the charity will use this time to review the service. You can stay updated on the latest news regarding all of the charity’s services by signing up to the charity’s newsletter and following social media channels.
