Meet the team

‘I use art as a means to support people in their learning, communicating and gaining a sense of improved wellbeing. Making art has been a wonderful method to overcome barriers, challenges and adversity for so many people that I have worked with.

‘I believe art should be everywhere, not just in galleries and art shops. It is there for the enjoyment of all, be that in the making process, or through seeing, hearing, and even touching.

‘Art can be an emotional and therapeutic experience for the onlooker by evoking feelings such as joy, excitement, and serenity, and through stirring up memories, prompting conversations, and inspiriting positive thoughts.’

Shamse joined the team in February 2020 as the Arts Coordinator responsible for art installations across the Trust. Before this, she worked with children and families in the voluntary and community sector, in school and play settings. Graduating with a Fine Art degree in 1998, Shamse has worked to bring art to people who normally wouldn’t access it in traditional settings, making it part of people’s learning and leisure experience. As a facilitator of creative workshops in schools, play schemes, family learning centres and other diverse settings, Shamse has had the opportunity to work with lots of people from different communities of all ages and abilities.

Signature dish: Homemade smokey humus

Pipe dream: Travel the world in a camper van

Life motto: ‘Art is the food of the soul’

Party trick: Spinning on my head

‘I am interested in people’s stories and the journeys they make. I truly believe that the arts can help in the ‘healing journey’ and the projects I lead tend to be longer term and focus on specific in- or outpatient groups. I love to see people gain confidence, start to experiment, and get into that moment of flow where they forget their pain or anxiety. The arts complement what the NHS provides, it’s a great partnership, and of course it’s always great to see that the hospital staff benefit from what we do too.’

Mir is an artist and creative project manager with over 25 years’ work experience. She graduated with an MA in Fine Art in 1996 and has worked for different arts charities, mostly in the role of project manager, to support artists in the development of their practice. This was often in partnership with schools, community groups, and private sector organisations. As a freelance artist, Mir instigates projects with people from different communities and lately her work has focused on people who have migrated. She is a Trustee for BLOC projects and lives happily on the edge of the Peak District National Park.

Signature dish: Dutch apple pie

Pipe dream: To sing like Ella Fitzgerald

Life motto: ‘Keep on Running’

Party trick: Dancing like there’s no tomorrow

"It’s amazing to see the way in which engaging in arts activities and good conversation can significantly impact our patients. Alongside my wonderful team of volunteers, we have the amazing opportunity to uplift the morale of patients in our wards. Whether it involves painting, crafting a heartfelt card, or experimenting with clay, witnessing the remarkable transformations in our patients is truly heartwarming.”

Sophie graduated in 2017 with a degree in Graphic Design and Illustration after being shortlisted for the Penguin Random House student design award that year. She then begun her creative career in Manchester working for a pottery studio. Here, she honed her craft while also nurturing her passion for interaction by leading engaging painting and clay-building workshops tailored for both adults and children.

Driven by her desire to merge her love for creativity with her enjoyment of connecting with others, Sophie made the conscious decision to pursue a career path that integrates these two passions.

Signature dish: Tacos

Pipe dream: To travel the world!

Life motto: Variety is the spice of life

Party trick: Origami