Publish date: 19 December 2024
The Life Rooms team at Ashworth Hospital has been engaging patients in the arts through two remarkable events: the unveiling of a mural in the Quad Garden and an inspiring Christmas Show.
A vibrant mural, designed and created by patients in collaboration with local graffiti and street artist Kieran from Zap Graffiti is now on display in the Quad Garden. Over a six-week workshop, patient participants were taught various graffiti and paint techniques, transforming their unique experiences of accessing the Life Rooms into art. The mural features vivid depictions of a film reel, headphones, musical instruments, animal paw prints, horticulture and art supplies – capturing the range of activities offered by the Life Rooms. There was a great sense of achievement amongst the participants, with one commenting “It had helped me with my confidence and social skills and I would definitely like to do something like this again.”
The Christmas show highlighted the talents of patients through music, drama, poetry and spoken word performances. These creative pieces reflected their own personal journeys and life at Ashworth. One patient participant said “Attending Life Rooms is a positive way for me to express myself creatively and reduce any anxieties I may have, which is beneficial to my overall mental health”
There is growing evidence that participation in arts-based activities can positively impact mental health and wellbeing. Research highlights the link between creative expression and the management or treatment of mental health difficulties, such as anxiety and depression.
Reflecting on this year’s Christmas Show, Dr John Austin Crosby, Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist said “I always look forward to the Christmas Show. It is a great event for our patients to showcase the work they have been involved in all year. I was particularly moved by a testimony from one of my patients who talked about how his recovery and progress was achieved and maintained by his activities at the Life Rooms”.
The Life Rooms team continues to demonstrate how the arts can empower patients, promote recovery, and create a supportive environment within Ashworth Hospital.
