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They say a picture paints a thousand words and that’s perhaps never truer than in the case of Frances Carpenter.
The 15-year-old has Muscular Dystrophy and receives care from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) at Milton.
As well as enjoying short breaks in the last 18 months, the talented teenager has developed a particular passion for Art Therapy.
In fact, it “clicked” straight away and has become a powerful tool in terms of conveying her thoughts and emotions.
Frances’ sessions provide a way to illustrate her feelings, without having to summon the words.
“I’ve always loved art, ever since I was little,” she said.
“Whether I’m happy, sad or angry, I can get it all out on paper, without having to describe my emotions.
“It’s a helpful way of conveying my feelings – feelings I might find hard to explain.
“I use different colours to reflect my mood and a good example is when I’m sad, like one time when I was being picked on and another when our pet died. I used to draw sad pictures to show my emotion.
“I find it calming, if I’m worrying about something or feeling stressed.
“It gives me something to focus on, a distraction, without having to think about anything else. It helps me zone out.”
Through her passion, Frances has developed a close relationship with Milton’s Art Therapist, Becky Burlinson.
During sessions, they use different materials to create artwork, including paint-based pens. Frances also likes using her iPad.
“I was very scared and nervous to start with, but we took it slowly and Art Therapy helped me get over my butterflies,” said Frances.
“At first, it was hard to open up, but it got easier and I started talking more.
“Now I really look forward to my time at Milton.
“It gives mum and dad a break and I’ve also made a friend there, who I enjoy seeing.”
Mum Michelle, who has also taken part in Art Therapy sessions, is equally positive and delighted her daughter has found something that gives her so much joy.
“Frances has had the opportunity to build some brilliant relationships and fallen in love with the staff,” she said.
“She loves going there and sometimes I don’t even get a goodbye!
“That’s the way it should be and shows how comfortable she is.
“Art Therapy has been a big part of that and a very positive experience for Frances.
“It’s one thing that’s absolutely worked for us. It wasn’t hard and we weren’t trying to force anything. Frances just took to it very quickly, right from the start.
“We’ve tried other forms of therapy in different places but this one clicked, has had the most impact and been most successful in terms of the way it’s delivered.”
Art Therapy particularly came to the fore last year, when Frances had spinal surgery.
It meant she was unable to attend school for six months, but her regular sessions provided an all-important lifeline.
“Art Therapy was a significant part of her recovery and I think she had a session about a fortnight after the surgery,” said Michelle, who lives near Peterborough.
“As parents, we’re so thankful she had access to it.
“Aside from the art, just having some kind of outlet, and people to speak to, helped because it could have been a very isolating time.
“Her mobility was limited and she was stuck at home, with only us and her carers to speak to. It gave her something to look forward to.
“She could be herself and say how she felt, the good and the bad, without having to worry about upsetting anyone.
“After having such a hard time, it was so nice to have something that truly gave her pleasure.
“Thanks to the support she received, she was able to return to school within six months and that, I firmly believe, had a lot to do with Art Therapy. It was a tool that helped her before, during and after the operation.”
Frances has artwork on display at Milton and has currently, proudly been working on one piece for 14 hours.
She and her family first reached out to EACH during the pandemic, in 2021.
Given the restrictions, much of their early contact was online, and, while they have gone on to enjoy several visits to the hospice, they still favour working remotely.
“At the beginning, it was during that weird time, when you weren’t allowed to have much contact with other people,” said Michelle.
“One day our community nurse called and I was in tears, so she put us in contact with EACH.
“We had to wait until the restrictions changed but then started popping in for visits during the evening.
“While we still love going to Milton, Frances’ Art Therapy sessions are predominantly online. It fits in well around school and medical appointments.
“I know it’s not for everyone but it’s worked for us and certainly isn’t a barrier.
“It means Frances could come home from school, log in and speak to her therapist. When we met them for real, we felt we knew them.
“They really care and had time to spend with Frances. They built up a relationship and it’s so different to being in hospital, when it’s a new face every time.
“Sometimes she sits at the kitchen table and sometimes in her bedroom. We leave them to it but always hear lots of giggling!
“It’s truly made a difference and I’ve also enjoyed Art Therapy myself – so much so that I’m actually doing a course in it.
“I’m considering it as a career, which would be a complete change of direction but shows the impact and benefit it’s had on us all, not just Frances. It’s become a big part of our wellbeing and, as a family, we’re so grateful.”
