Alongside patient-focused programmes, OutPost Arts continues to deliver dedicated Staff Wellbeing Workshops for teams at NHS Dumfries and Galloway, creating space for colleagues to pause, connect and recharge through creativity.
In recent months, teams from Mountainhall have taken part in workshops exploring printmaking and clay with artists Helen Walsh, Julie Stephen, Alice Griffin and Ruth Elizabeth Jones.
Printmaking & Play: Clinical Education & Psychology Teams
Workshops for the Clinical Education Team and the Psychology Team introduced staff to block printing, stencil cutting, colour layering and working with natural materials.
Participants described the sessions as restorative and absorbing:
“Positive impact on my mood. Taking a step back from the stress of work, slowing down and connecting with colleagues.”
“The whole morning was great – good to spend time together on tasks we don’t do in our daily work.”
“It was lovely to do something different.”
Many discovered unexpected creative confidence, with one participant arriving unsure and leaving with ten completed artworks.
Clay, Laughter & Team Connection: Continence Team Workshop
In January 2026, the Continence Team at Mountainhall Treatment Centre took part in a half-day clay workshop at Gracefield Arts Centre.
Led by Ruth Elizabeth Jones and attended by nine team members, the session explored three hands-on activities:
• Sculpting Venus figures
• Creating terracotta tealight holders
• Designing decorated tiles
The workshop introduced participants to clay modelling, slab building and decorative techniques using texture and underglaze colour.
The atmosphere was notably joyful and relaxed, filled with laughter and conversation.
“Very relaxing – you just focus happily on being creative with no pressure for perfection.”
“Thoroughly enjoyed the session, learning new skills and spending time with our team.”
“We had a fab time.”
“Nice to do something with the team.”
“Felt relaxed and happy.”
Ruth reflected:
“It was great to see the staff relaxing together – they are a great group of women! Lots of laughter around making the Venus figures with discussions of whether we should go for anatomical accuracy or artistic licence!”
Why Environment Matters
Delivering the workshop in an arts setting rather than a clinical workspace proved particularly impactful. Staff were able to detach from work mode, relax more fully and engage openly with the activities.
The combination of creativity, conversation and shared experience created a powerful team-building dynamic.
Creativity as Wellbeing Support
Across all staff workshops, common themes emerged:
• Reduced stress
• Improved mood
• Strengthened team relationships
• Renewed creative confidence
• Space for reflection and connection
Creativity became both a reset button and a connector – supporting wellbeing while gently strengthening workplace relationships.
Creativity Beyond the Clinical Role
These workshops continue to highlight something important: creativity isn’t about artistic ability. It’s about curiosity, play, focus and human connection.
One of the participants commented:
“It was so nice, and it was therapeutic, to spend a few hours doing something creative with the team.”
Coordinated by OutPost Arts as part of the DG Creative Wellbeing initiative, the Staff Wellbeing Workshops continue to support the people who support others – offering time, space and creativity as tools for resilience.