Using the power of art to support mental health recovery
Date added: 06 September 2023
Last updated: 06 September 2023
Beautiful, vibrant artwork has been officially unveiled at our Rosebud inpatient rehabilitation centre in West Malling. The five new artworks are located throughout the centre and in the garden area, creating a homely feel and supporting the wellbeing of both our service users and staff.
The project is in partnership with arts and mental health charity Hospital Rooms, who commissioned five artists to create co-produced, site specific artworks for the centre, placing the climate crisis at its core.
Over recent months, artists and curators have run 14 workshops at the Rosebud Centre around environmental themes that encourage a new understanding of the natural world and how we might best take care of it. These workshops have included natural dyeing, printing with food waste and using weather as a barometer for our own mental health, among others. These workshops have led to the creation of the specific artworks that have been permanently installed in the centre.
Becky Bourne, KMPT Occupational Therapist and project lead commented: “We are thrilled that, thanks to Hospital Rooms, the Rosebud Centre has begun its transformation into an even more calming and homely place.
“Our service users have enduring and complex mental health needs and it’s vital they feel as comfortable as possible while they stay with us.
“Hospital Room’s project curators have been working alongside our residents for several months to provide accessible creative solutions that promote recovery and relaxation in their surroundings, while enabling them to explore and develop their own artistic skills through the use of creative workshops.
“We have all been inspired to appreciate how the healing power of art can work alongside the KMPT team as we deliver the best possible care and support for our service users.”
This project aimed to support individuals who may have been systematically excluded by the cultural sector to find sparks of talent, imagination and a voice. It was warmly welcomed by Rosebud Centre service users who participated, with comments including: “I didn’t know I had these talents that each of the artists has brought out in me” and “the workshops have encouraged me to get out of bed and stay motivated”.
