There are times in my life when I feel a little self-centered. I think I’ve been in one of these phases for some time now and I’ve had a sudden moment of realisation. A reckoning of sorts which has made me realise that I could actually do more. I used to raise money for the British Diabetic Association (my brother is type 1) and also volunteered as a Youth Worker, but life got in the way and I’ve not been as altruistic as I would like in recent years.
I’ve been thinking about this a lot more recently because some friends are doing some amazing work for some really worthy causes. Obviously I’ve been supporting #TeamHonk (Annie, T & Penny) in their Comic Relief activities, and I would urge everyone to go and have a look at their site (http://teamhonk.org/) and check out their fundraising activities. But this post is about another project that has really captured my attention and a little piece of my heart with it.
I have this friend Caz. She’s probably the best writer I know, creates amazing free comics that she leaves around town to brighten up peoples day, makes the best cup of tea of the planet and has a weird obsession with Beyonce (she’s literally crazy about the woman, but I can’t hold it against her). She’s also setting up a truly inspiring project called The Colouring Book. It’s an online community project which will provide free, printable colouring sheets for adults who suffer from Alzheimer’s, Dementia or have suffered a stroke.
Doctors have found that adults who, for whatever reason, have had their cognitive function impaired can actually benefit from colouring and artistic activities. It provides a creative and relaxing outlet to many adults; however the majority of colouring books are aimed at children. Caz is hoping that she can help rectify this.
The Colouring Book will host free age-appropriate line drawings and art that can be printed off and used by anyone. This will make colouring sheets readily available to homes, hospices, healthcare professionals and patients’ families. Anyone (nudge nudge, I’m looking at you) can get involved by submitting a line drawing to the project and I really hope some of you will. You really needn’t be an incredible artist – Find and old picture and trace it if need be! Caz has some ideas here about the sort of things that you could send in.
I know she’d really appreciate as many contributions as possible and equally I would love you all forever! She has certainly helped me remember that my skills are worthless unless I use them for something worthwhile.
Website : www.thecolouringbook.org
Blog: http://www.thecolouringbook.org/blog/
Email, submissions, general chit chat: colouringbookproject@gmail.com
Twitter: @ColouringBkOrg
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