Jeffrey Sawtell

• I WOULD like to heartily commend Queen’s Crescent Community Centre because they’ve played a sterling role in my recovery after having a stroke.

Thank you QCCC for saving my life and giving me the opportunity to transform my mundane existence into something productive, providing a very vital social service after a long period trying to recover after breaking my arm, followed by a stroke and falling down 15 flights of stairs, resulting in pneumonia.

From its humble lunch club, nourishing my body, their art-awareness activities have shaped and sharpened my sense and sensibilities, otherwise known as enriching the soul.

I’ve never been a fan or an advocate of what has been termed “art therapy”. However, I’ve a profound belief in the therapeutic power of art, artistic activities and aesthetic awareness.

My own parlous condition has prospered beyond all expectations and I’ve witnessed others who’ve benefited from drawing and other artistic activities, alongside an informative, educational programme, enhanced by visits to experience our wide variety heritage sites.

QCCC have a great team, ever ready to advise and assist all and everyone throughout Camden, proving beyond any shadow of doubt they should be further funded to expand their capacities to others in London and beyond. Investments wisely spent are incalculable, as we know from the founding of our unique NHS and caring welfare system.

Mary Pierce and her team should be congratulated and encouraged to seek out and explore new horizons while the rate of recovery rests with individuals, the evidence is clear – co-ordinated community care is a contributory factor enhancing all those involved.

JEFFREY SAWTELL
Lyme Street, NW1