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In a unique partnership between Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Tate St Ives, a series of creative workshops titled 'Walking with Art' has provided support and healing to people who have been bereaved by suicide.

The sessions were led by environmental artist, Greg Humphries. They took place at Tate St Ives, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden and around St Ives.

The workshops aimed to provide a safe and welcoming environment for individuals who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide. It also offers them an opportunity to find healing through art. Participants were able to engage in a range of creative activities, including painting, sculpture, and other forms of visual arts.

On their 4th and final session, the group took at short walk along St Ives’ Porthmeor Beach to collect pebbles as inspiration for their carved soap sculptures made from fragrant, glycerine soap. Their creations were inspired by the artist Barbara Hepworth and Tate’s ‘Art and Life’ exhibition which showcases the influential British artists’ body of work.

One participant reflected on how beneficial the workshops had been for them. “It’s been a real joy to be a part of this wonderful project. Considering the subject matter. Being able to talk so openly about the difficulties of processing such an extreme death has been very nourishing for me. I cannot thank the staff enough.”

Tate St Ives provided the venue, creative expertise, and resources for the workshops, which involved Hepworth’s art in every session.

The project was supported by the Trust and our Suicide Liaison Service.

“The collaboration between Tate St Ives and our service, focused on the work of Barbara Hepworth, offered hope and inspiration to those who participated. It gave them an opportunity to be involved in creative activities with others who have experienced a similar bereavement. The warm welcome of the team at the Tate, and the positive benefits of being involved in this project, will leave a lasting legacy for all who took part.” Anne Embury, who leads the service for people bereaved by suicide

Another of the participants added: “Myself and my Mum have really found it enjoyable, especially as my brother has recently died by suicide, so this was really good for us to meet people who are or have gone through this type of grief. It’s only been 4 months, so it’s been nice to do this to take my mind off what's going on at the moment. It’s been such a hard few months and this has really helped my mind. Just talking to other people who have gone through this has felt reassuring. Greg has been amazing, and he has such good energy, is very informative, and I’ve loved learning about art. The Tate staff have been so lovely and have made my anxiety less.”

For information about the Barbara Hepworth exhibition at Tate St Ives and the Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, visit the Tate St Ives website.