PEOPLE across Worcestershire are being urged to get creative and help brighten up their local hospital by taking part in the new ‘Art for Health’ campaign, writes Mia Whitehouse.
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust has launched the drive in a bid to improve the wellbeing of patients, staff and visitors by encouraging people to contribute artwork that celebrates the beauty of the local landscapes.
Anyone is welcome to submit a high quality picture of their artwork, whether it be painting, drawing, photography, or crafts, of landscapes from both counties.
The chosen artworks will be placed across the Trust’s sites, in areas such as hospitals, waiting areas and staff rooms, with some even making it to specialised areas such as dementia wards.
Kate Wood, the trust’s community engagement manager and project lead, said: “For patients, especially those experiencing mental health issues or conditions such as dementia, art can be a great tool to stimulate memory, reduce anxiety and promote calmness.
“We also recognise that visiting unfamilar environments or new people can be overwhelming for some, so the aim to brighten up our spaces makes them more welcoming for all.
“Another benefit of this project is helping enhance our work environments for staff, as a more inviting and positive workspace supports staff wellbeing, leading to better patient care.
“We are excited to see as many people as possible getting involved in this campaign – your contributions can really help enhance our hospitals and wards for anyone who walks through our doors.”
A total of 400 trust staff have already taken part by painting rocks and pebbles with small messages of joy, spreading positivity around the trust sites and building colourful outdoor art galleries.
Now the trust is asking the community to join in too by painting on rocks and sending them in.
People can email their pictures, along with their name and the title/location of the piece, to: [email protected] to take part.
