Creativity and recovery celebrated though patient artwork exhibition

Artwork created by a patient receiving care at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust is being showcased at Canterbury’s Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, celebrating their creativity and achievement and highlighting the role of meaningful, personalised activity in patient care.

The artwork has been selected for the Canterbury Community Collection, where it is being exhibited alongside work from other community artists in a professional gallery setting.

For people receiving care on Heather Ward, the patient experience includes a range of therapeutic interventions and meaningful activities designed around individual needs, interests and recovery goals. These can include creative approaches such as art and drama, alongside other therapeutic and psychological interventions delivered as part of a person’s care.

Kate Richardson, Drama Therapist on Heather Ward at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, said: “Everyone’s experience of care is different, so it is important that we offer a range of therapeutic approaches and meaningful activities that reflect people’s individual needs and strengths.

“Creative work can provide an opportunity for self-expression, build confidence and give someone something positive to focus on. It can also help people explore their interests and abilities and experience a sense of achievement.”

The artist’s work demonstrates how creative opportunities can form part of a person’s experience of care, providing space to develop skills, express themselves and pursue an interest that is meaningful to them.

The artist shared that seeing their artwork displayed in a professional gallery has been a real boost for patients and colleagues on the ward, and represents an important milestone and a recognition of their creative abilities.

The trust is committed to providing person-centred, recovery-focused care that recognises people’s individual needs, strengths and goals. A range of therapeutic interventions and meaningful activities are offered to support wellbeing, recovery and personal development.

Kate added: “We are incredibly proud to see this artwork displayed at The Beaney. It is a fantastic achievement and a wonderful opportunity for the artist’s talent to be recognised by the wider community.

“Everyone on Heather Ward is delighted to celebrate this achievement and see the work being enjoyed by others.”