📝Creative Clay and Conversation at Thomas Court

Summary

Today at Thomas Court, we hosted a hands-on clay modelling session where residents got stuck into something both creative and nostalgic — making their favourite biscuits from clay!

Led by occupational therapists Savanna and Lauren, and kindly supported by our new volunteer and dear friend Stephen, the session brought together seven residents and a family member. People chose to recreate classic British biscuits like custard creams, party rings, and jammy dodgers — all in clay.

The atmosphere was focused and calm, with everyone immersed in the task. As we moulded and shaped our creations, conversations naturally flowed — from favourite biscuits to fond memories of Welshcakes, tea breaks, and family traditions. One resident even shared a handmade clay model from home, proudly showing off the individual bricks he’d crafted — a wonderful testament to personal skill and creativity.

We’ll be letting the clay pieces dry out over the next few weeks, then returning in our next session to paint them using acrylics.

OT Benefits of Creative Clay Groups

Occupational therapy groups like these are much more than just enjoyable — they support a wide range of therapeutic goals:

✅ Fine Motor Skills & Dexterity: Working with clay promotes hand strength and coordination, essential for everyday tasks like buttoning clothes or making a cup of tea (Schweizer et al., 2017).

✅ Cognitive Stimulation: Activities that involve sequencing (e.g., rolling, shaping, decorating) and problem-solving are shown to support memory, attention, and executive functioning (Noice & Noice, 2009).

✅ Mood & Wellbeing: Creative activity can reduce anxiety and elevate mood by increasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked with pleasure and motivation (Stuckey & Nobel, 2010). Participants today shared that they "really enjoyed it" and one person said they loved it — a powerful indicator of emotional benefit.

✅ Social Connection & Identity: Group-based creative work builds community and offers space to express identity, culture, and life stories. Reminiscing about favourite foods, like biscuits and Welshcakes, taps into long-term memory and brings meaningful conversation into the room (Bruce & Schweitzer, 2013).

At the heart of it all, this session captured what OT is all about — meaningful occupation, personal expression, and connection. We’re already looking forward to painting day next month!

References

• Bruce, E., & Schweitzer, P. (2013). Working with life history: Therapeutic approaches. Open University Press.

• Noice, T., & Noice, H. (2009). Enhancing Cognitive Functioning in Older Adults: A Review of the Evidence. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 4(2), 119–135.

• Schweizer, C., Knorth, E., & Spreen, M. (2017). Art therapy with older adults: A review. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 55, 54–63.

• Stuckey, H. L., & Nobel, J. (2010). The connection between art, healing, and public health. American Journal of Public Health, 100(2), 254–263.