Art therapy in hospices

Hospices are facing increasing pressure and challenges: financial pressure on services, staff burnout, increase in demand, moving care into the community, responding to the ‘Assisted Dying Bill’.

We want to show how art therapy can support hospices in facing some of these challenges, and continue offering compassionate care and psychological support.

1. When words are not enough

Art therapists can enable service users and their families to explore and express what they may not be able to say in words — about their legacy, identity, grief and meaning.

This could be including:

• at the end of life
• when living with a life-limiting illness
• during a diagnosis process
• with bereavement

2. Alleviating distress and suffering

Research suggests many people can find art therapy helpful when approaching the end of life. People have reported decreased distress or increased wellbeing after an art therapy session.

3. Meeting people where they are

Art therapy can be flexible, mobile and adaptable. It can be delivered:

• at the bedside
• in outpatient groups
• in the community or at home
• online

Art therapists can also tailor sessions for people with physical limitations and fatigue, cognitive or sensory impairments.

4. Supporting staff to reduce burnout

A 2025 randomised controlled trial published in British Medical Journal Public Health found that six weekly sessions of group art therapy can significantly reduce burnout risk and mental distress in health care professionals from different professional backgrounds in acute hospital settings.

Take action

📢 Join our campaign on social media 
Are you already an advocate for art therapy in palliative care? Show your support during art therapy in hospices week, 22-28 September.

Download the campaign deck (PDF)

Download social media toolkit (PDF)