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The significance of robins
Claire, Spiritual Support Lead and Chaplain at the Hospice, brought the initiative to life, collaborating with our Living Well team for the robin-themed art activity to take place.
“The idea for ‘Remembrance Robins’ came from the many people who tell me how they are comforted by the expected appearance of a robin. There is a saying, ‘ Robins appear when a loved one is near’.
“We cherish the memory of loved ones we no longer see, but occasionally something will bring us into a clearer realisation of their presence in our hearts and memories.
Personal meanings
Margaret, who has found comfort in working on the project and speaking with the spiritual support team, shared: “It’s very therapeutic, and because you’re working on a project, it’s nice to see something through, creating the robins, painting them and then seeing them hanging up on the branches.”
“My father was a prolific gardener, and whenever he was out in the garden, he would say: ‘That robin is out there again!’. When he died, I just associated robins with him. One time, when my brother was in a cemetery, a robin actually sat on his foot. I love robins, I’ve got a ‘Robyn’ as a granddaughter, and my name is Robinson! So, I think we’re just closely associated with robins,” Margaret added, explaining the significance of robins in her life.
Creativity for all
Sheree, who attends Living Well and finds joy in trying new activities, shared: “Robins are a symbol of remembrance, and make you think of someone that you loved who is gone. It was a very nice project to do, and I enjoyed it. I’m not really an arts and crafts person, but it was nice to do something different and make something for the Hospice. I’ve found everybody very helpful.”
Susan, who also worked on creating and painting the robins, added: “It was really quite nice to be able to do something together for a specific project. I needed some help as I’m disabled, but the help was available, and I could produce something. Robins are supposed to mean life and new beginnings. I’m not very spiritual, but the support, spiritual and otherwise, is well-meaning and always there. I’ve made a lot of friends, including staff, volunteers and patients.”
