CompassionART, run by Nottinghamshire Hospice, will begin on Thursday 5 November 2026 at the Pauleen Davies Centre and will take place every Thursday, 1pm–3pm during term time.

The relaxed, informal group is open to anyone aged 18 or over in Nottinghamshire. You don’t need to have a diagnosis, be receiving hospice care, have any previous connection with Nottinghamshire Hospice or be referred by a healthcare professional.

There’s no need to book either – people can just come along and give it a try.

A little time to create, chat and connect

Each CompassionART session will include relaxed, accessible arts and crafts, with plenty of time for a cuppa and conversation too. Activities could include painting and drawing, mindful colouring, seasonal crafts, collage, textiles and clay modelling.

You don’t need any previous experience or to think of yourself as artistic. You can take part at your own pace, with a facilitator and friendly volunteers on hand to help you get started.

CompassionART is a chance to get out of the house, try something creative and spend time with other people. You might be feeling lonely, living with a long-term illness, caring for someone or have experienced grief – or you might just fancy meeting new people and doing something enjoyable.

There’s no expectation to talk about your personal circumstances or experiences. The group is designed to be a warm, relaxed space where you can join in as much or as little as you like.

Everything is completely free, including the activities, materials and refreshments.

Supported by The Health Lottery Foundation

CompassionART has been made possible with a grant from The Health Lottery Foundation.

The Foundation distributes money raised by players of The Health Lottery to projects that unite people and improve health, wellbeing and happiness.

Debbie Ripley, Director of Care Services at Nottinghamshire Hospice, said:

“We’re really pleased to be launching CompassionART. We know that loneliness, caring responsibilities, illness and grief can all leave people feeling disconnected, so we wanted to create a welcoming space where people can come together, enjoy something creative and spend time in good company.

“You don’t need to have any connection with the Hospice or think of yourself as artistic – the group is about having a go, meeting people and enjoying some time for yourself. We’re very grateful to The Health Lottery Foundation and its players for making CompassionART possible and helping us bring this new group to our local community.”

The grant was awarded to Nottinghamshire Hospice as part of The Health Lottery Foundation’s drive to support adults over 25 taking part in arts and activities to improve health and wellbeing.

Delva Patman, Chief Executive of The Health Lottery Foundation, said:

“Thanks to players of The Health Lottery, £512,740, will now be distributed to 29 organisations across Britain, making a tangible difference to the health and wellbeing of thousands of people in England, Scotland and Wales. We are thrilled to be working with this project and look forward to sharing more about their achievements over the next few months.”

Health Lottery players have raised over £136 million for good causes over the past decade.

Come along to CompassionART

CompassionART takes place:

Thursdays, 1pm–3pm during term time
Starting Thursday 5 November 2026
The Pauleen Davies Centre, 25 Prospect Street, Radford, NG7 5QE

There’s no need to book in advance – just come along to a session.

The Pauleen Davies Centre is accessible and parking is available. It is also around five minutes’ walk from frequent bus services on Alfreton Road.

If getting to the group is something you’re worried about, please speak to us. We can talk through your individual circumstances with you.

For more information:

Call: 0115 962 1222
Email: info@nottshospice.org
Visit: www.nottshospice.org/compassionart

Thank you to The Health Lottery Foundation

CompassionART has been funded by The Health Lottery Foundation. The Foundation distributes money raised from players of The Health Lottery to projects that unite people to improve health, wellbeing and happiness.

Thanks to players of The Health Lottery for supporting our work.

Visit www.thehealthlotteryfoundation.org.uk to find out more.