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The Campaign Aims to Brighten Up Hospital Spaces and Improve Wellbeing
The new ‘Art for Health’ campaign by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust is a heartwarming initiative aimed at spreading joy and colour throughout the local hospital settings. The campaign encourages people to contribute artwork that celebrates the beauty of the local landscapes, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the wellbeing of patients, staff, and visitors.
What Can You Contribute?
- Painting or drawing of landscapes from both counties of Worcestershire and Herefordshire
- Photographs or digital images of landscapes
- Crafts or handmade artwork inspired by the local landscapes
These artworks will then be displayed across the Trust’s various sites, including hospitals, waiting areas, and staff rooms. Some of the chosen pieces may even find their way into specialised areas such as dementia wards, where art can be particularly beneficial for patients.
Benefits of the Project
- Art can stimulate memory, reduce anxiety, and promote calmness for patients, especially those with mental health issues or dementia
- Welcoming hospital spaces can help alleviate feelings of overwhelm for patients and visitors
- Enhancing the work environment for staff can support staff wellbeing, leading to better patient care
Community Engagement Manager’s Perspective
“Art can be a great tool to stimulate memory, reduce anxiety and promote calmness for patients, especially those experiencing mental health issues or conditions such as dementia. We also recognise that visiting unfamiliar 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.”
– Kate Wood, Community Engagement Manager and Project Lead
Community Involvement and Participation
- 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
- Contributions can be submitted via the Trust’s website or social media channels
Examples of Artwork
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A photograph of a serene forest landscape, taken by a local photographer, showcasing the beauty of the surrounding nature
Artist’s statement: “I wanted to capture the tranquility of this forest, where I often go to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.” -
A handmade painting of a rolling hillside, created by a local artist, highlighting the vibrant colours of the local flora
Artist’s statement: “I love painting the beauty of our local countryside, which always inspires me to create something new and exciting.”
Supporting Staff Wellbeing
- A more inviting and positive workspace can lead to better staff wellbeing, as it fosters a sense of community and teamwork
- The campaign aims to enhance the work environment for staff, making it a more enjoyable and relaxing place to work
- By supporting staff wellbeing, the Trust can ultimately improve patient care, as happy and motivated staff are better equipped to provide high-quality care
Conclusion
The ‘Art for Health’ campaign is a heartwarming initiative that aims to bring colour and joy to Worcestershire’s hospitals. By encouraging people to contribute artwork that celebrates the beauty of the local landscapes, the campaign is not only improving the wellbeing of patients and staff but also creating a more welcoming and positive environment for everyone. We urge anyone who can to get involved and make a contribution to this wonderful campaign.