A group of sixth form students have teamed up with a hospice to help display a four-month community art project.

Students from New City College, Epping Forest, aims to collect as many decorated paper hearts for St Clare Hospice in Hastingwood.

The ‘Heart Your Hospice’ launched back in 2018, running from national Hospice Care Week (Monday, October 8 – Sunday, October 14) to Valentine’s Day.

More than 150 hand-decorated hearts were collected across the district from volunteers, patients, staff and social groups.

“We were inundated with support from the local community,” said Sally Muylders, St Clare Hospice’s community engagement manager “receiving dozens of decorated paper hearts that, at the time, we didn’t quite know what we wanted to do with.

“Fortunately, our friends over at the college’s art department were more than happy to help us out – creating three beautiful A1-size collages of all the hearts we collected.

“This artwork is going to make such a special display here at the Hospice.”.

The aim of the ‘Heart Your Hospice’ project was to break down stereotypes and celebrate and those who support people with life-limiting illnesses.

“This wonderful partnership between the Hospice and New City College, Epping Forest, simply adds to that sentiment by all of us working together to create a more supportive community for everyone living in West Essex and East Herts.” added Ms Muylders.

Rowan Hartfree-Peace, senior curriculum manager for creative industries and community education at New City College, Epping Forest said: “When we were approached by the hospice to see if we could help with their ‘Heart your Hospice’ project, we were keen to lend a hand.

“I’m really pleased with the outcome and we hope that the hospice is able to display the work somewhere for others to appreciate.”

The finished artwork will go on display at St Clare Hospice in the coming weeks.

If you would like to view the project, visit: stclarehospice.org.uk/your-community/activities/community-big-brew