From tropical birds to a painting of The Queen drawn entirely from memory, each piece was inspired by the theme of Hope, and Cygnet Hospital Wyke is now hoping the pictures will stimulate a wider conversation around mental health.
The artwork, which has gone on display at the hospital, will be loaned to local businesses as part of an initiative to share ideas with employers on how to recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health issues and guide people to the right support.
Organiser Jordy Hirst, Head of Occupational Therapy at Cygnet Hospital Wyke, said: “The pictures are all the more incredible for having been created by people who understand all too well the feelings of depression and loneliness that have affected people all over the world as a result of the current crisis. The staff team has really enjoyed encouraging our patient’s creativity.”
More than 30 pieces of art, from sculpture to glitter art, and even a painting created using a water pistol to dispense the paint, were judged by Lord Patel of Bradford, who was guest of honour at a small reception at Cygnet Hospital Wyke last week to mark the service users’ achievements.
The winning painting depicted scenes of galloping horses, knights and royals was created by a service user who also has Parkinson’s Disease. Told he had won, the artist almost couldn’t believe his success. “Are you sure, it’s me?,” he asked staff, “I can’t believe that a Lord is holding my picture.” Runner-up was a picture of The Queen which its artist said was inspired by a conversation about leadership during the crisis, and his belief that the royal continued to be a symbol of hope.
Lord Patel of Bradford, former Chair of the Mental Health Act Commission, was recently appointed as Senior Independent Director to the board at Cygnet Health Care, and has visited a number of Cygnet’s hospitals to learn more about the organisation’s work to support some of the most vulnerable people in society.
Lord Patel said: “It’s wonderful to be invited to judge this art competition, hear the patients’ stories and learn about what inspired them to paint. There’s some phenomenal talent on display, and this also presents a great opportunity to start conversations about mental health with business leaders in Bradford.
“We know that the pandemic will impact on people’s mental wellbeing so by helping more people to spot the signs and understand more about mental health, the experienced team at Cygnet Wyke will be helping to raise awareness and signpost support.”
When coronavirus restrictions allow, the team at Cygnet Hospital Wyke plan to invite employers, free of charge, from around Bradford to learn more about Mental Health First Aid in the workplace.
Cygnet Health Care has 70 staff members around the country who have been trained as peer to peer Mental Health First Aiders to offer support and guidance to colleagues when they need help. Through the scheme at Cygnet Hospital Wyke, the hope is that staff at local businesses will encourage colleagues who might be having a difficult time to take the first step to get support.