What clients say 

“It's very difficult to put into words the wonderful learning experiences that I've had the pleasure to enjoy over the past 8 years, having worked with John and Debbie of Protean Art.

As a training programme director for general practice speciality training we will discuss a 'brief'; a theme for the day and some key concepts we wish to deliver to the delegates (trainees, trainers and programme directors over the years). John and Debbie have, time and time again, delivered amazing art based learning which reaches, the often untapped or undervalued, areas of the brains of us medics. Throughout the sessions they seamlessly layer and shape the parallels of the artistic elements of the day and the medical educational theme underpinning it.

Some of our delegates have been admittedly 'well outside of their comfort zone' at the start of the day, but John and Debbie's carefully crafted sessions allow each individual to participate and many have left finding a new comfort zone and having a newfound belief in themselves - this being in addition to the medical learning element.

The feedback from our delegates is always superbly positive when Protean Art have visited”

– Dr Lorna Maccoll (NHS Stafford and Surroundings CCG)

“John’s flair for design took the children work to a whole new level and resulted in a piece of which the whole school community is immensely proud.”

– Head of Claverlely C of E Primary School, Shropshire

“Debbie and John Todd have worked with South Staffordshire GP Training Programme and Health Education England (GP School) on several occasions. They have developed some innovative and challenging workshops in accordance to the remit provided by the conference organisers.

Their first workshop for the GP Trainees was looking at improving observational skills, being aware of subtle changes in both the background and foreground. The purpose of this was to try and identify factors or observations that almost unconsciously lead an experienced GP to get a gut feeling about the patient in front of him/her. What are the subtle changes that an experienced GP will notice but an inexperienced GP will miss.

A further workshop explored the subject of frailty and how teams can work together better.

There have been a couple of workshops for experienced GPs who are training programme directors for HEE. One workshop was challenging the GPs to work in an uncomfortable environment and how this might impact of observational skills and functioning. It was an opportunity to be imaginative about problem solving and thinking outside the bow when trying to inspire trainees.

The most recent workshop looked at creating headspace to develop new projects and imaginative ways of teaching. This used collage, individual and team working to link individual innovative constructions together to form an impressive and unique joint construction.

All the workshops have been amazingly challenging and thought- provoking. One GP trainee was so challenged he was unable to stay and complete the task. The rest that stayed participated in a truly memorable experience. The workshops develop innovative thinking, as well as visual, verbal and kinaesthetic learning. For the trainees and TPDs that participated it will be the conference that they always remember.”

– Dr David Palmer (Associate Dean GP Education Staffordshire and Shropshire)

“Just want to say how great it is to have the tree of hope and positive tree on Brocton and Chebsey. Service user’s message are inspiring and give hope to others on the ward. It is also inspiring for the staff and gives them a lot of hope and job satisfaction. 

Thanks so much and let’s hope out trees begin to flourish and grow.”

– Julie Barnhouse (OT Inpatient Lead, St Georges Hospital)

“Debbie supported out art co-ordinator in planning for our whole- school Arts week. The standard of painting and drawing by our children was the best we’ve ever seen as a result of Debbie’s help”

– Headteacher at St Giles primary school, Haughton, Staffordshire

“We have now installed 10 of the works that you and the children created in the schools project - at the Redwoods Centre. 

We have installed them in the Therapies area where the service users come to do activities with the OT dept.

 They make a huge difference and look absolutely brilliant in that area. I have also used 4 of them to exhibit in the new eating disorders outpatients area. 

This area is mainly visited by young people again they look fabulous and make a huge difference….

Thanks so much for all your hard work over this year, the schools project and the regular art group - with and for Arts for Health - it is much appreciated”

– Jessica Kent (Arts for Health Co-ordinator, Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust)