Young people have been at the heart of the transformation of the reception area at CCAMHS (Community Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) in Newport into a more welcoming and less clinical space for the children and young people who use it.
The design, part of Artswork’s Young Cultural Changemaker programme, was co-creation between second year BTEC art students from IW College and Hollie Jackson and Emma Goss from Community Murals IW, and builds on consultations with CCAMHS service users and the students about how to make the space more welcoming and calming.
Themes around nature, marine habitats and space
The final design – which features a limited palette and themes around nature, marine habitats and space, and incorporates a stunning wrap-around mural and individual pieces of resin art created by the students – has been well-received by service users and those attending the recent celebration event.
Ros Parker, IW College Principal and CEO, described the space as “Fresh, calming and wonderfully creative”, student Edie said it was “A really cool design which is appropriate for all ages.”
“We both thoroughly enjoyed working with the talented students”
Hollie Jackson and Emma Goss commented,
“We both thoroughly enjoyed working with the talented students from the Isle of Wight College to co-create this mural, transforming the CAMHS external space, entrance, and waiting area into a calming and inspiring environment.
“Their creativity and ideas were instrumental in shaping the final piece, making it a truly collaborative artwork that provides a welcoming and uplifting atmosphere for CAMHS users. We are over the moon with the outcome and have loved all the amazing feedback from everyone.”
Hannam: We are amazed and delighted at the new look for CCAMHS
Mark Hannam, CCAMHS manager said,
“We are amazed and delighted at the new look for CCAMHS. From the concept to creation, the collaboration – between the students, CCAMHS service users and staff, the artists and Artswork – has truly made the environment here at CCAMHS appropriate and therapeutic.
“Coming to a place you don’t know, to speak with people you don’t know about your mental health, is a challenge no matter your age.
“Thanks to all involved, we now have a welcoming environment that is calming and appropriate for our service users and we hope in some small way, allows the children attending to feel calmer and more relaxed when seeking support for their ongoing recovery journey.”
The project was supported by funding from Arts Council England as part of Artswork’s Young Cultural Changemakers programme, which enables young people to work with professional artists to plan and deliver high quality, public-facing interventions that make a difference to their communities.
News shared by Peta, in her own words. Ed
