After being encouraged by our staff, two of Oxford Health’s service users have gone on to be recognised for their art work by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
Ann Jenkins won the first place in the 2016 Quality Network for Older Adults Mental Health Services art competition, for her watercolour painting of a lily. The third prize also went to a service user at the Fulbrook Centre, where the Cherwell and Sandford wards for acute older adults are based.
With staff encouragement, Ann began to find that painting helped with her recovery.
“We organise and facilitate regular art groups at both wards,” said Sophie Beesley, the Activities Coordinator at the Cherwell Ward. “Some like to paint in groups, and some like to paint during one-to-one sessions.”
“Even when patients are not neccessarily creatively inclined, engaging in art groups on the ward can have a very positive impact on their health, by creating a sense of purpose and keeping the mind busy.”
“What’s more, arts and crafts help with hand-eye coordination, cognitive abilities and concentration.”
Read the Oxford Mail’s coverage about the win.
Published: 13 January 2017