The more projects we complete the more in awe we are of the extraordinary dedication and creativity of occupational therapists. Working with adults and children of all ages with a wide range of conditions, most commonly those who have difficulties due to a mental health illness, physical or learning disabilities, occupational therapists provide practical support to empower people and facilitate recovery and personal development. Occupational therapy takes a “whole-person approach” to both mental and physical health and wellbeing, with the aim to increase people's independence and general satisfaction in different aspects of life and enable individuals to achieve their full potential. The huge breadth of work carried out by OT's in mental health units and the range of skills they demonstrate on a daily basis is truly incredible. We often work closely with OT's on our projects - this collaboration is central to facilitating meetings and workshops with artists, patients and staff and working out the practicalities of creating and installing artwork with as little disruption as possible to the daily running of the ward.
Earlier this year we completed a project at The Maudsley Hospital's Snowsfields Adolescent Unit, for young people experiencing severe mental health crisis. Snowsfields has developed a national and international reputation for innovation, pioneering the introduction of a comprehensive, all hours emergency admission service and supporting young people with a wide range of psychiatric or neuro-developmental disorders. DIonne Monarch is Snowsfields' occupational therapist. Dionne played a central part in our project at the unit, taking on different roles to enable the work of our commissioned artists and facilitate the involvement of patients and staff. We could not be more grateful for her tireless efforts to ensure the progress and smooth running of our project and her support of our work at every stage of the process.
Dionne recognises the importance of access to art, culture and creative activity and, as well as working with Hospital Rooms, has built partnerships with other creative organisations such as the Young Vic to provide unique opportunities for the young people at Snowsfields to explore creative self-expression. Her hard work and dedication to the adolescents at Snowsfields is an inspiration to all of us and she continues to be a valued member of our extended network.
Here Dionne shares her experience of working with Hospital Rooms:
"This has been an amazing opportunity for Snowsfields Adolescent Unit. Young people have been involved throughout the process and the project has demonstrated the gold standard of service user involvement.
This kind of collaboration with outside agencies provides young people with essential contact with the real world and, in this case, also the opportunity for them to work with professional artists. This places a real value on the young people and allows us to get on with being clinicians.
The project has helped young people feel important and grow in confidence, knowing that their ideas are sought and respected. They have been able to discover new skills and interests and it has generated conversation about art and creativity. As a result, the arts have become more accessible to them. I often show young people, carers and professionals around the unit as part of my role and I now feel proud to do so. I see first-hand the positive impact the art has had on people’s first impressions.
I urge anyone given the opportunity to work with Hospital Rooms to go for it. It has been a wonderful experience."
- Dionne Monarch, OT at Snowsfields Adolescent Unit
Our work would not be possible without the generosity and support of Hospital Rooms’ friends and donors. With your help we can collaborate with more NHS trusts across the UK and give more people the opportunity to be touched and inspired by the unique and radical work that we do.
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