Watford based, Peace Hospice Care and the Hospice of St Francis, in Berkhamsted, unveiled a special animation film on Wednesday 5th July featuring more than 100 soaps beautifully carved by patients, carers and volunteers throughout the year.

The film is part of the annual Art Bag project, now in its second year, which it runs in partnership between Peace Hospice Care, Hospice of St. Francis and Macmillan Cancer Support.

This year's Art Bags contained a bar of soap and all the materials needed for carving so participants could create anything that represented how they were feeling. The results included flowers, faces, animals, buildings and many different shapes.

The poignant animation, which was created with the help of animator Kim Noce, features over 100 soap carvings that have been created by people facing a life-limiting illness and highlights their journeys.

Annalise Ashwell, Macmillan Wellbeing and Therapeutic Coordinator, said: "The idea behind this year's Art Bag project was to give patients and their loved ones the opportunity to carve out a space and time for themselves.

"The simple act of taking some time to focus on a creative activity can help to promote wellbeing and relaxation and build resilience when coping with a serious illness. It provides a way for people to express themselves, as well as giving carvers and carers, personal artwork to cherish."

Samantha Owen, who became involved in the Art Bag project following treatment for breast cancer, said: "For me, this project has been an opportunity to get out there any try life again.

"Being involved in a project with people who were going through a similar situation was really reassuring and hopefully it will help other people at the beginning of their diagnosis realise that there is help out there and that it comes in many different forms."

The first screening took place at the Hospice of St. Francis on Wednesday 5th July, which showed a documentary film alongside the animation. The documentary explores the experiences of participants and shares the sense of wellbeing that has been generated through taking part inthis creativeactivity.

For more information about Peace Hospice Care's creative therapies visit the Starlight Centre page

Or call: 01923 330 330

Or email: info@peacehospicecare.org.uk