Public Health in Worcestershire is supporting the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, which is inviting people to unleash their creativity and help transform hospital and healthcare spaces!
This heartfelt initiative aims to enhance the wellbeing of patients, staff, and visitors by filling NHS spaces with artwork that celebrates the beauty of the local landscapes. Whether you love painting, drawing, photography, or crafts, your creativity could bring comfort, joy, and inspiration to those who need it most.
Art that makes a difference
Hospitals and healthcare settings can sometimes feel clinical or overwhelming, but art has the power to change that. Research shows that engaging with art can reduce anxiety, stimulate memory, and promote calmness, particularly for patients experiencing mental health challenges or conditions such as dementia. For children and young patients, vibrant colours and imaginative designs can spark curiosity and support learning.
Kate Wood, Community Engagement Manager for the Trust and lead for the project, shares the vision behind the campaign: “For patients, especially those experiencing mental health issues or conditions such as dementia, art can be a great tool. Research shows it can stimulate memory, reduce anxiety, and promote calmness. For children and young patients, the use of colours and shapes in artwork can spark imagination and support learning. We also recognise that visiting unfamiliar environments or new people can be overwhelming for some, so our aim is to brighten up our spaces and make them more welcoming for all.”
But the benefits don’t stop there. A more inviting and uplifting workspace also supports staff wellbeing, helping them feel more positive and motivated, which in turn leads to better patient care.
How you can get involved
The Trust is calling on everyone, whether you’re an experienced artist or simply enjoy getting creative, to submit high-quality digital pictures of your artwork. There are no limits on the number of submissions, and artwork can be created individually or as a group.
Selected pieces will be displayed across NHS sites, including hospitals, waiting areas, staff rooms, corridors, and even specialised spaces like dementia wards, where art can have a particularly profound impact.
To take part, email a high-quality digital picture along with your name and the title/location of the piece to whcnhs.communityengagement@nhs.net.
For more details about the Art for Health campaign, visit the Trust’s website: Art for Health | Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust
This week is Creativity and Wellbeing Week, and the Public Health Team is taking the opportunity to share real stories from across our communities, throughout Worcestershire, where people have found connection, healing, and joy through creativity.