This social group, who meet in Paisley, enjoys art with a qualified instructor as part of their therapy. Membership is open to anyone who has had a stroke and their family and carers. This award will enable the group to expand its horizons and be in a position to offer their services to a wider audience within Renfrewshire and surrounding areas.

Allan Stewart, Chairman, said “May we firstly record our appreciation for the generosity of Merchants House in awarding us a grant to further our objectives in providing a rewarding and creative art therapy group for stroke and other disabled individuals. The grant award has fired everybody with renewed enthusiasm to look forward to the future and ensure the continued viability of the group.”

Allan continues “We have made good progress this year with some new members and it is heartening to see them, with the help of our able and experienced instructor, start to enjoy producing something which gives them an uplift and to feel part of our friendly group. We are often surprised by the latent talent uncovered! We have however, like many charitable organisations, been faced with financial challenges especially in respect of material costs which have risen considerably.”