Bev Belshaw Email & Phone Number

Bromsgrove, Worcestershire

Denbighshire

I have been a freelance artist since 1995 and maintain high standards of practice. My experience to date includes public art commissions, project management, marketing, design and product development. I embrace opportunities to enhance my skills base through education and enjoy the benefits of collaboration and networking.I am also a self-publishing artist and sell limited edition prints and greeting cards. Commissioned work has included paintings, wall hangings, mixed media textiles and mosaics. As an artist facilitator, I have delivered textile, mosaic and mixed media projects to a diverse range of individuals.

Denbighshire

I have facilitated several arts in health projects prior to and during my art therapy training and worked with Afasic Cymru, Ysgol-y-Gogarth, Save the Family and Derwen College. Many of the children and young people participating in these projects were diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder and are statemented as having special educational needs. Further, participants presented with learning and physical disabilities and challenging behaviours. More recently I have worked with Afasic Cymru, a charity that aims to meet the needs of children and young people with speech, language and communication difficulties. Arts in health projects provide many individuals with an opportunity for self-expression through the universality of art and visual language. I was resident artist for Save the Family, a charity that supports homeless families who have multiple and complex needs. Group art projects provide a socially inclusive and positive experience, improving well being and reducing stress and anxiety.2017 - Mixed Media Textiles, Canolfan Addysg y Bont & Anglesey Archives2015 - Mixed Media, Arteffact & Oriel Ynys Mon2011 - Mosaics, Ysgol-y-Gogarth, Happy Valley Commission, Conwy 2010 - Mosaics, Ysgol-y-Gogarth, Llandudno2009 - Mosaics, Ysgol-y-Gogarth, Llandudno2008 - Silk Painting, Ysgol-y-Gogarth & Oriel Mostyn & engage Cymru 2005 - Mosaics & various arts activities, Save The Family, Northop, Flintshire2006 - Mosaics, Derwen College, Oswestry, Shropshire

Saint Asaph

HCPC Registered Art Therapist (art therapy cover)

Oriel Ynys Mon, Anglesey

Arteffact provides creative experiences for people with mild to moderate depression, stress and anxiety, within North Wales’ museums, galleries and archive settings. I was responsible for devising and facilitating mixed media arts in health workshops by drawing upon the museum’s collection as a starting point for making artwork. Referrals to the group came via the project manager, through professional mental health service providers, and also by means of self-referral. My role involved maintaining a safe and confidential framework for the group and I encouraged participation by making contact with individuals prior to each session. I addressed participants’ concerns as they arose and weekly reviews, with the project manager, ensured good practice for meeting the Arteffact toolkit protocol. My additional duties included collecting qualitative and quantitative data for project evaluation. The sessions aimed to build confidence and promote well being through learning new skills and shared experiences within a stimulating and supportive environment.

Saint Asaph

I introduced and implemented an art therapy service to the hospice during placement experience. My position within the organisation involved working with the multi-disciplinary team, producing all necessary documentation and service information and setting up a therapeutic framework. I was responsible for keeping patient records and clinical notes, in relation to art therapy practice, and I provided patient feedback to colleagues at team meetings. Furthermore, I developed an effective system of service evaluation and made professional recommendations and produced patient reports whilst maintaining patient confidentiality. Art Therapy varied from brief interventions with hospitalised in-patients, to regular sessions lasting for several months, with out-patients. My role included ensuring my clients well being, and my clients consent and understanding in relation to disclosure. I provided appropriate art materials, by giving due consideration to my patient’s physical condition and I managed the safe storage of artwork. Clinical supervision and reflective practice supported my humanistic and psychodynamic interventions within the privacy of the hospice art room, and at times, the patient’s bedside. All Health and Care Professions Council standards were met and I concluded my hospice placement experience with a case study. Art therapy offers effective support for the full range of psychological and emotional responses to life threatening or life limiting illness.

Hergest Unit, Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor

Induction training included organisational policies, procedures, information governance, fire safety, inanimate load handling, infection control and violence and aggression and POVA (protection of vulnerable adults). Before starting my placement experience, I was issued with and trained to use a personal safety alarm and electronic key fob, in order to safely access the hospital wards. Many patients receiving care are sectioned under the Mental Health Act (1983) and the unit contains medium to high security environments. My duties included maintaining patient clinical records after art therapy interventions took place and I also produced final reports when patients left the hospital. I attended the multi-disciplinary team meetings and provided art therapy feedback to staff when appropriate. I found that a combination of theoretical approaches best served the complex nature of this population. My role entailed the provision of one to one therapeutic interventions which addressed theoretical perspectives in relation to identity, attachment, object relations and containment. I worked in tandem with the Senior Art Psychotherapist during group sessions and gained experience in best practice, art therapy protocol and incident reporting. Prior to art therapy sessions taking place, I accessed patient records for the purpose of making assessments and to gain insight into my clients’ conditions. I worked therapeutically with people who experienced a range of severe mental illnesses. Individuals presented with depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorders and some patients suffered from psychosis and schizophrenia. Furthermore, I was involved in facilitating a community group which included assessment and evaluation. I helped to improve the community group service information in relation to client contracts, disclosure and goal setting. A debrief took place after each community session and records updated accordingly.

Qube, Oswestry

I gained my initial experience within an art therapy closed group model, attended by self-referred adults with mental health issues. The service was offered by a private practitioner with 2 hour weekly sessions lasting for a span of 2 to 3 months. I participated in art making, provided directed image making sessions and supported the group interventions under guidance from the registered practitioner.

Master’S Degree, Art Therapy

North Western Regional Advisory Council Union Of Lancashire & Cheshire Institutes Textile Diploma, Fiber, Textile And Weaving Arts, Course Work, Examination Project And Theory - Credit

North West Region Advisory Council Union Of Lancashire & Cheshire Institute Art & Design Certificate, Course Work Assessment (Credit), Extended Essay (Distinction)