Artwork by a patient using NHS mental health services will be on display at a North East art institution.
The artwork from a patient at Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW), a provider of mental health and disability services, will be shown at an exhibition at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead.
The Almost Home exhibition begins on Wednesday 19 February and is a partnership between Baltic and criminal justice arts charity Koestler Arts.
The exhibition will showcase a range of fine art, design, writing and music from people in prisons, secure hospitals and probation services in the North East.
Many of the exhibition’s works portray movement and journeys, while others show rural landscapes, city skylines and pets, in recognition of what ‘home’ can mean to different people.
All the artworks were entered into the annual Koestler Awards, which aim to challenge negative stereotypes and help people lead more positive lives by motivating them to participate in the arts.
The patient’s artwork is a model made of paper straws and cardboard. The plasticine figures riding the rollercoaster represent ward staff, family and friends.
The patient is based in CNTW’s Secure Care Services on a ward for men with learning disabilities who have come into conflict with the law.
The artwork was made with the help of staff during weekly art sessions.
Eric Rothwell, artist in CNTW’s Secure Care Services, said: “During the art sessions, we looked at how different arts and craft materials can work together. The patient can sometimes have difficulties with fine motor skills but he persevered to see his idea come to fruition.
“Art has so many benefits for people undergoing treatment and rehabilitation in hospital. Not only does it give them a way to express themselves creatively, but it is also a step towards wellness and recovery.”
Staff have put up posters of the artwork in the hospital’s communal areas and have planned a trip to the exhibition so that the patient can see his work on display.
Eric added: “I’m very proud of him and have let him know what a great achievement it is to have his work in an exhibition. Over the years, many of our patients have exhibited their work and some of them have been sold. It’s a delight to see patients respond with a big grin.”
The exhibition runs until 11 May.