Patients’ artwork enjoys pride of place on ward

The pieces form a display created from a unique collaboration with a mental health arts project.

All of the works have been created by patients, the vast majority of which have been under treatment at the unit for mental ill health, and who have been referred to Centrepieces workshops after expressing an interest in art.

Centrepieces is a community-based project for users of mental health services, which supports and encourages patients in painting, pottery and sculpture. Based at The Lodge within the grounds of Hall Place in Bexley, this registered charity was founded in 1999 by a group of artists who had all experienced mental health problems.

Geoff Norris, who runs the project, said: “People living with mental health problems can still do wonderful work. This work is often a beacon of light for them and a way to communicate – it is very healing.”

Christie Cassisa was referred to Centrepieces and has a piece of work displayed at the Woodlands Unit. She said: “Confidence really makes a difference to mental health – I had zero confidence at my first workshop but found, over the weeks, that I could communicate through my art as I found talking so very difficult.”

Lawrence Yong, Modern Matron at the Woodlands Unit, said he is delighted to be able to display the pieces of art which he selected with Tobias Hill, HCA for Millbrook ward at the unit.

He said: “The art is bursting with energy and creativity and it is wonderful to see our service users harness that energy and take it forward in a positive direction. All of their work is for sale and it really brightens up the unit.”

You can see more artwork at the charity's 2016 exhibition, at The Lodge, Hall Place, Bourne Road, Bexley, DA5 1PQ.