A NATIONAL charity will be restarting an art programme for people with cancer in the Berkeley Vale and Stroud area for the second time.

Following its success last year Macmillan is running the eight-week art course ‘Flourish’ to help provide further support to those with cancer.

It aims to help people take their mind of their illness through practising different artistic techniques and meet others going through similar experiences.

Dursley-based Liz Hecht, who was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in 1982, took part in the 2016 Flourish course and explained how it helped.

“I found talking to like-minded people so helpful, however no one is forced to talk.

"You can share your experiences if you want to, safe in the knowledge that the rest of the group will understand,” she said.

“To people who think art isn’t for them, I say they should give it a try.

“Ultimately though, it’s not just about art, it’s about each other.

“The art is simply an opportunity to bring people together once a week for some creative respite, try different artistic techniques and to support and share experiences with each other in an unforced and welcoming environment.”

Flourish is for people who have had a cancer diagnosis and would benefit from emotional support following their cancer experience.

To take part in the free course you must be registered to a GP in Stroud or Berkeley Vale and either currently in treatment or have completed treatment and are looking for continuing ongoing support.

The Flourish programme is jointly funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and the Gloucestershire CCG Stroud and Berkeley Vale GP Group working in partnership with Gloucestershire-based charity ARTLIFT who provide the bridge between art and health.

This year’s course dates and venue will be announced soon.

To find out more and register your interest contact Artlift on 03000 200 102 or email referrals@artlift.org.