Health Trust staff get creative to develop a mental health garden

Staff had the opportunity to test their creative skills where they produced various designs of insects, butterflies and abstract images through various printing methods which will be transferred onto aluminium panelling and will be installed within the gardens of the Downshire Estate in Downpatrick for staff, service users and the public to enjoy.

Service users have also had the opportunity to take part in the art workshops to contribute to the feature.

Mental Health Specialist Occupational Therapist, Suzanne McComb explained: “We have had a great response and Project Artist, Seliena Coyle from Artscare has been working in partnership with the Trust providing her expertise at the workshops.

"Seliena will now arrange to transfer the artwork produced by staff and service users to the aluminium panelling, with an anticipated unveiling of the feature in the gardens in Downshire Hospital around early May 2023.”

Seliena Coyle added: “Our aim through art is to help empower service users with restorative therapy. Through the art workshops, staff and service users have produced a range of colourful insects and bugs inspired by the garden, whilst also recognising the importance of the Eco system.

"The feature in the garden will provide staff, service users and the public the opportunity to reflect on the challenges we all faced throughout COVID and help provide some restorative therapy.”