New art-bags which are designed to help people with life-limiting illnesses have been unveiled by two hospices.

The art bags contain an activity which people need to complete and hospice chiefs say art helps patients.

The project is being funded by Macmillan and is a joint initiative between the Spring Centre at The Hospice of St Francis and the neighbouring Starlight Centre at Peace Hospice Care in Watford.

The Hospice of St Francis will collect artwork to form a large community art installation next year.

Macmillan Creative Therapist Annalie Ashwell said: “Use of art has proven therapeutic benefits to patients.

“We have created our Hospice art bags to give individuals a simple, creative activity which encourages them to focus on doing something ‘in the moment’, fostering enjoyment and relaxation which is obviously beneficial to those who have a life-limiting condition.

“It also boosts morale and promotes wellbeing and can be done by people at home, in their own homes, or with others in a group.

“It’s all part of the craftivism movement which aims to connect members of the community through collective creative endeavour and by enabling individuals to make their own mark locally through the medium of art.”