The two 90-minute sessions provided the law firm’s Belfast staff with a welcome respite from the busy working week and an opportunity to flex their creative muscles.

Stephen Whalley, CEO and founder of Whalley Group and Whalley Fine Art, facilitated the workshops along with his wife and fellow artist Dawn Crothers.

Michael Neill, head of A&L Goodbody’s Belfast office, said: “We recognise the importance of engaging with the wider interests of our clients and staff, alongside their professional interests. Our team works extremely hard every day and we are aware that taking time out to relax is vital for their health and wellbeing.

“As a firm, we continue to forge strong links with the arts community as we realise the mutual benefit that these ongoing collaborations can bring. These workshops are the latest in a number of our initiatives designed to support the local arts and culture sector – complementing our sponsorship at the Lyric Theatre and our partnership with Belfast Exposed.”

Mr Whalley added: “Dawn and I can both attest to the fact that picking up a paint brush is a great way to turn off the stresses of everyday life and connect with your creative side. With society really starting to understand the benefits of mindfulness, it seemed a logical step to offer the workshops to businesses as a way to help their staff unwind and take care of their mental health.

“In recent years A&L Goodbody has very clearly demonstrated a commitment to collaboration between business and the arts, so it made sense to us to partner with the firm to launch this new aspect of our business in Mental Health and Wellbeing Week, and we are delighted to be doing so.”