STROKE survivors are being encouraged to show their artistic side.

Free art therapy sessions, aimed at helping stroke survivors to express their feelings and cope with stress, are being offered in Prestatyn.

The brushstrokes sessions, run by charity the Stroke Association, aim to help reduce anxiety and provide a means of expression when words are hard to find.

Pam Hutcheson, art therapist running the group, said: "Those who take part don’t have to be good at art. It’s a chance to get together to reflect and relax. There’s no pressure to speak about the art or their feelings – it’s just a chance to have some fun.

"But sometimes, because many stroke survivors will have had a traumatic time during their recovery, issues are brought up as part of the sessions. As a trained psychotherapist, my role is to offer support when that happens.

"We’ll be using paints, pastel crayons and chalk and model magic, which is a bit like playdough. The stroke survivors are welcome to use paintbrushes, sponges or their hands. It’s not an art lesson, so you can’t be wrong."

The sessions, funded by Gwynt y Môr, are part of Stroke Community Steps, a four-year project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund which helps stroke survivors to gain in confidence.

The sessions will take place at the indoor Bowles Centre, Ferguson Avenue, Prestatyn on Thursdays between 10am until 11.30am.

To enquire and book a place, telephone Colin on 07984357191, 01745 508531 or email colin.evans@stroke.org.uk