On 4th and 5th July, as part of the Leigh Art Trail, the exhibition ‘My Invisible Backpack – What’s In Yours?’ was displayed at The Living Room on Leigh Road, featuring pieces of artwork created by children supported by Havens Hospices’ Children and Young People’s Wellbeing Team.

Havens Hospices Children’s and Young People’s Wellbeing Team often support youngsters carrying hidden feelings and challenges as they cope with illness, grief and bereavement. The weight of these emotions can feel overwhelming and difficult to process, and many children find it hard to put their feelings into words. Creative activities such as painting, drawing and poetry can help children’s express emotions they may feel too vulnerable to verbalise.

The weekend was huge success with many members of the public attending to admire the artwork plus the wonderful artists and their families got to proudly see their work on display.

Kat Barrett, Children and Young People’s Counsellor, said: “The weekend was a huge success, with a steady stream of members of the public and, of course, some of our wonderful artists and their families coming along. Exhibitions like this gives the children we care for a safe and creative way to process feelings that can otherwise feel too big or too difficult to put into words.

“Seeing their artwork displayed as part of a public exhibition was a wonderful opportunity for the children to feel proud of what they had created and to celebrate their creativity. It was also a meaningful way to help raise awareness of the impact that incurable conditions, grief and bereavement can have on young people.”

To find out more about the wellbeing support Havens Hospices provides please visit https://www.havenshospices.org.uk/wellbeing-care/

Published on 27th July 2026