✨ Hope Crafts Group – A Year of Light Scholarship ✨
Hello, lovely ones!
Some happy news! For my year long courses I often give out group scholarships to those in need! In addition to other philanthropy projects; his is one of the ways I hope to spread joy, compassion, love and support!
This year we awarded a scholarship to the members of Hope Crafts Group. All members of the group suffer from ME, Fibromyalgia, Long Covid Induced ME or are carers for those who do. Many of the members feel isolated within society, limited in what activities they can participate in due to health limitations or caring roles.
As we all know: art heals, brings beauty and joy to people’s lives, connects and helps people process their feelings! So..
We awarded Hope Crafts Members A Year of Light Scholarship which has brought a lot of joy, creativity and connection to them all!
I am so happy to have been able to contribute to them this way! ✨🙏✨
Here are some of the Hope Craft members work from A Year of Light – Warm Up Taster Session: Light & Bright with Tamara Laporte:
Tam’s Lesson:
Student work for this lesson:
Hope Crafts facilitator Claire Kennedy is guiding members regarding supplies needed and working alongside them while they participated with the lessons. The Craft Group members have mixed abilities, interests and experience in art, many not having tried art since childhood or rekindling their love for it through groups and collaboration with others. Although daunting at first, all members exceeded their own expectations with the work they were able to produce with the Year of Light course content.
The Craft Group participants found the Year of Light challenged them to move beyond their comfort zone. Doing the work together helped them make time for art, gaining encouragement from each other, and the planned activities helping motivate them to explore use of new mediums and techniques. Members are keen to try the upcoming challenges and look forward to their continued journey of exploration through the Year of Light course.
Here are some of the Hope Craft members work from A Year of Light – Glow with Toni Burt:
Toni’s Lesson:
Student work for this lesson:
Comments from members
Rhonda Simms “I have been able to create things I didn’t think I could do. It is a journey of discovery and I’m looking forward to see what I can learn next. It’s been really fun and encouraging to do group sessions and to see what everyone else creates. Very inspiring!”
Heather Love “I particularly like doing the course with the group as I wouldn’t be motivated to make time/save energy otherwise”
Jane Wysner “I am really enjoying the sessions. Its lovely to be part of a group creating art with materials I’m not very familiar with. It helps motivate me, move out of my comfort zone and I’ve found it quite easy to follow the videos.”
Amanda Blain “Enjoying stepping outside my comfort zone and trying new art mediums I had never considered before.”
Heather Ward “Really enjoying being part of the YOL group. Tamara is so inspiring, and our very own Hope leaders equally so. As a complete art novice it’s quite scary to try what seem like complex skills to me, but being part of a supportive group really helps. Also it’s great to try something new with virtual friends x”
Gemma Flood “I find it relaxing and learning new skills is a bonus . Very good information and easy to understand.”
Kathryn McGowan “It is a great course to learn new skills with mixed media and meet with fellow sufferers. It’s a time set aside to relax, enjoy and create. I get a lift when I see other sufferers and my achievements in the final piece.”
Sabrina “I am really enjoying the Year of Light course. It helps me to learn new things and also relaxes me.”
About Hope 4 ME & Fibro Northern Ireland
A registered charity run by patients and family volunteers (and supported by medical and scientific experts) for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.), Fibromyalgia and Covid-induced M.E. You can find out more on their website here:
if you want to support this charity you can become a member of this amazing organisation here: https://www.hope4mefibro.org/membership/
Since 2011, the charity has supported patients and family members, educated the public and healthcare professionals, and lobbied and campaigned for services. They provide vital support and advocacy for people with ME, Fibromyalgia and Long Covid across Northern Ireland, Ireland, and the UK.
In 2013, the charity was recognised as a leader in raising awareness and gathering support for people with M.E. and Fibromyalgia. We were chosen as winners of the Global, May 12th International M.E. and Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, ‘Light Up The Night Challenge’.
You can donate to support this vital organisation (reliant solely on donations and small grants) here: https://www.paypal.me/hope4mefibroni
Have a wonderful rest of your month!
Much love, Tam 💕
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