Free women’s art therapy sessions at Touchstones

Date published: 08 December 2021

A local artist and the founder of a women’s support group have joined forces to provide creative women’s sessions at Touchstones each Monday.

Self-employed abstract artist, Dani Burke and Asma Begum, who founded Soul Sisters in January 2020 – which empowers and supports victims and survivors of abuse – have come together to provide free art therapy sessions.

An independent single mum who escaped an abusive marriage, Asma began the peer-to-peer support group to help other women in similar situations.
 

Read more: Domestic abuse support group worked through lockdown to empower womenPublished: 09 December 2020

Dani, who is also a single mum, began her home studio, The Studio Artisan, during lockdown after taking the plunge to follow her dream. She began painting around four years ago after her dad, David Burke, sadly died. Unable to sleep and battling depression, Dani dug out some blank canvases and picked up her paints.
 

Read more: Success as artist sets up own business during lockdownPublished: 16 May 2021

Dani said: “We have come together to offer a safe environment for women to come together and experience the benefits of art therapy.

“I am a big advocate of art therapy and what it can do as it’s completely changed my life; it helps reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and even helps with addiction.”

She added: “The sessions are also a safe place to get help or support if you need it from Asma to flee from abuse or to access support with suffering with the effects from abuse. Everything is confidential and it’s a warm welcoming place.

“Even if ladies just need a few hours for themselves as being a mum – especially at this time of year – is very stressful. You don’t need to have mental health issues or need to access Soul Sisters; you can come down to get creative and make friends.”

The sessions run at Touchstones from 10am-12noon on Mondays, and are free and for women of all ages.