11-07-2025
SANCA Wedge Gardens uses hoodie art to empower clients in recovery
SANCA Wedge Gardens uses hoodie art to empower clients in recovery
Clients at SANCA Wedge Gardens recently participated in an unconventional occupational therapy session that asked them not only to express themselves but also to colour their identities.
Held in June, the exercise sparked creativity as clients unleashed their artistic sides.
Led by occupational therapist Caryn Berman, the design-your-own-hoodie activity gave each participant a drawing of a hoodie with prompts such as 'a word to describe myself', 'something I love', and 'my dream holiday destination'.
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After thoughtfully answering the questions, the real fun began, with clients colouring and decorating their hoodie designs to reflect their personalities, dreams and inner journeys.
'The men embraced this activity. It was amazing to see how creative they became once they started engaging with the exercise. Some answers were funny, some touching, but all were honest,' said Berman.
The centre now showcases a colourful gallery of hoodies, each telling a unique story.
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There are tributes to family, aspirations to become motivational speakers, dreams of visiting faraway places and reminders of the simple joys of life, from pizza and music to self-respect and helping others.
Each hoodie offered a glimpse into a life in recovery, a life filled with challenges and hope.
'It would be wonderful to have these made into real hoodies one day.
'They are so much more than artwork; they're personal roadmaps that reflect courage and creativity,' said Berman.
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