Colourful graffiti murals created for children at a mental health unit in Colchester have been unveiled during Children’s Mental Health Week.
Local artist Paul Cottie created the huge artwork to brighten up the outdoor space at the St Aubyn Centre child and adolescent mental health unit run by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT).
Paul, known professionally as Eyesaw, came up with the design after meeting with young patients, the centre’s art psychotherapist and other staff to get their ideas on how best to transform the dull grey walls in the courtyard.
He said: “It has been a fantastic experience working on the graffiti project at the St Aubyn Centre. Creativity has the power to transform spaces, and I’ve found it incredibly rewarding to contribute to and create art in a setting where it can uplift and inspire both staff and patients.
“The response from everyone has been truly encouraging, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of something so positive.”
The St Aubyn Centre provides care for young people aged 13 to 18 with complex mental health, emotional and psychological needs.
Ian Carr, Director of Specialist Services at EPUT, said: “Being away from family and loved ones is understandably very difficult for our young patients. Therapeutic activities like art form a large part of their care and recovery and I’m delighted we’ve been able to work with Eyesaw to transform the centre’s outdoor space into a bright and inviting space for children and their visitors.”
The graffiti project was funded by EPUT’s charitable funds which raises money to help the Trust provide the best patient care.
In recent years Charitable Funds has been used to help create therapy gardens, pay for recreational equipment, provide music therapy sessions and much more. The charity relies on donations to keep running. Anyone interested in making a donation can find out more on EPUT’s website
Find out more about Eyesaw at www.eyesaw.co.uk