Mehndi by Tan created henna art at University College Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital, London.
I’ve been meaning to write this blog post about how my henna art took me to two of London’s most recognised hospitals with an opportunity to give back to the community, so here it finally is. All views are my own based on personal experience.
First a little background about the lead-up to this opportunity. Up until early last year I worked in the education sector at a school & sixth form college in south Birmingham (UK) initially a family liaison officer, soon catapulting into safeguarding and child protection. I enjoyed working with children from very early on in my career, I found it rewarding and believed a difference could be made with youngsters as they’re more flexible to change and open to new ideas. After great thought I resigned from this role to focus on two passions henna art and yoga, yet I greatly missed the interaction with children and families.
An opportunity arose to run henna workshops at both UCLH and Great Ormond Street London. I was contacted by a London based charity, Bright Futures who provide creative, innovative and engaging learning experiences for children who aren’t able to attend school due to an array of illnesses, including cancer. The majority of children are battling a long-term illness resulting in long term absence from school causing a breakdown in learning and socialising also. I’d supported children in this predicament previously within the education sector therefore felt happy when approached to support a vision bridging the gap for children. Dialogue was held with friendly staff at Bright Futures, dates were arranged, details confirmed and I was all set to go.
The two hospitals felt very different yet equally rewarding to visit. I was able to run workshops at UCLH for a mixed age group (see picture above) teaching students about the history of henna art and the skill itself. Students were able to practice design work on paper before decorating one another and staff. To finish off I applied henna tattoos for the children as a little well received departing gift.
At Great Ormond Street Hospital applying henna tattoos extended to families, a welcomed pamper treatment which left many smiles. Great Ormond Street was a rather emotional experience, many children were based in individual rooms due to the high risk of infection. This didn’t keep us out, we brought the henna art directly to them. Josh (founder of Bright Futures) and I visited the children individually, offering a one-to-one workshop, then children applied henna tattoos for their family and nurses. Some children opted to have a henna tattoo from me also. This visit touched me, brave children and families smiling through adversity and remaining optimistic despite the illness and uncertainty that loomed, it was incredible to witness. As Bright futures state, “illness doesn’t define a person.” This was outrightly witnessed at GOSH where spirits were strong.
Being able to make the children, young people and families smile through henna art was rewarding and being able to teach them a skill which may continue to grow into their future as a hobby or interest was priceless. For others just being able to provide momentarily relief from the pain, discomfort, or daily hospital routine was special. I felt I was able to help create a positive memory at such a demanding time in their lives thanks to an opening created by Bright Futures.
I have often stated that henna art is therapeutic, both applying the henna patterns and being on the receiving end. This experience reinforced that belief and gifting henna tattoos to the little angels of UCLH and GOSH was heartwarming. A great initiative I felt proud to be a part of, I hope it is laid out nationally to support children, young people and families bridge the gap between illness related school absence and missed learning, an ineffectively handled issue I saw too often during my work in the education sector.
I choose to share my experiences via my website blogs with the hope to inspire and educate the reader to the array of opportunities art brings to ones life and the enjoyment for others. Henna art is so much more than a cultural experience, I hope you see what I do.
To find out more about Bright Futures visit www.brightfuturesuk.org.
Websites for the two hospitals mentioned in this blog are www.uclh.nhs.uk and www.gosh.nhs.uk.
For more information about how Mehndi by Tan can assist with the work you do, or to book for your event please get in touch either via email info@mehndibytan.co.uk or call +44 (0) 7845297363.
Thank you for taking the time out to read my blog. I hope it was insightful.