STUDENTS from Wiltshire College have been highly commended by Dorothy House Hospice after they teamed up on an artwork project to show both the emotional and physical effects of dying.

The week-long exhibition, part of Dying Matters Week from Monday until Sunday, hopes to encourage people to openly talk about death and bereavement and saw 14 second year art and design students make a visit to the Winsley-based hospice to meet staff, volunteers and patients to help inform their work.

The collaborative artwork project also aimed to show the end-of-life care offered to patients as well as highlighting the perspective of families, carers and medical staff.

Art teacher Helen Chivers, who works at the Trowbridge-based college, said: “The students have gained a real insight in to a subject that they may have previously only superficially considered.

“They have made personal connections with the patients and carers, enjoyed sharing their experiences and in response, developed original artwork that celebrates and raises the awareness that Dying Matters."

All the students involved said that despite the project being challenging, many found the experience to be life-changing.

Student Isabelle Turner said: “It is amazing how full of life the patients are, they have really inspired me to take full advantage of the opportunities in front of me. You never know what is to come.”

Another student, Kimberley Urbanski added: “Doing this project has made me appreciate my life. I do not really have anything to worry about and I don’t always appreciate what I have. It has made me much more aware.”

This year’s Dying Matters Awareness Week campaign has led with the line #YODO (You Only Die Once).

The exhibition is free to view at Trowbridge Town Hall until Saturday.