Publish date: 24 July 2025
The Summer Showcase at The Life Rooms Secure, saw patients take centre stage to share original art, music, poetry and spoken-word performance, each one offering a powerful window into their lived experience and recovery journey.
One patient, who had previously composed a suite of nocturnes as part of a collaboration with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, swapped the cello for an electric guitar to join the in-house rock band. Together they powered through grunge and rock classics by Nirvana, Metallica and Jimi Hendrix. ‘Guitar Hero’ status well and truly achieved!
Another patient exhibited their artwork inspired by emotional reflection and current events. One striking piece capturing a memory of a day out in London featured illustrations of icons like a red bus, a black cab, and the bright lights of the West End, blending nostalgia with imagination.
A patient described the tie-dye workshop as a highlight of their year, enthusiastically sharing how learning to fold, pleat, and apply colour to fabric to create unique designs gave them a real sense of achievement, whilst also bringing vibrant colour to the wards.
The showcase also featured moving poem, in which a patient reflected on their feeling of being lost when arriving at hospital. The poem explored how taking part in Life Rooms activities had helped them find a sense of belonging and connection, something that plays a significant role in their ongoing recovery.
Reflecting on the event, Chen Shoko, Nurse Consultant said “What a wonderful showcase of talent, highlighting true collaboration and co-production. It was good to see such joy and genuine enthusiasm and to see how patients are supported to really flourish. Thank you.”
There is growing evidence highlighting the positive impact of the arts in secure mental health settings. A 2019 World Health Organization scoping review of more than 3,000 studies concluded that structured creative activities can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Whilst other research has linked arts participation with improved emotional regulation, social connection, and self-esteem, all crucial in secure therapeutic settings.
The showcases at The Life Rooms Secure, do more than just entertain. They remind us that creativity can be a lifeline - a way for patients to explore identity, express themselves safely, and find a purpose in the present.
Reference
Fancourt D, Finn S. What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being. [Internet]. Health Evidence Network synthesis report 67. World Health Organization; 2019 [cited 2025 Jul 23].
