People with mental health problems celebrate their artwork at exhibition

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Wakefield mental health advocacy service, Cloverleaf, has held a unique arts exhibition at Wakefield Cathedral this week to showcase the creative achievements of people from wards at Fieldhead, Ouchthorpe Lane. Fieldhead is run by South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust, which provides specialist mental health and learning disability services for people in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield.

The Cloverleaf Advocacy Service works closely with the Trust, but is an independent service that provides practical support for people receiving care and treatment at Fieldhead and in the community. The artwork on display at this week’s exhibition was produced during art sessions facilitated by the Cloverleaf Advocacy Recreational Referral (CARR) group.

The art sessions which are held on the acute admission wards at Fieldhead have enabled people with mental health problems to try their hand at art as well as develop positive relationships with advocates and other inpatients.

On display at the exhibition are a selection of pieces using different art techniques, including collages and paintings.

Those who have contributed to the artwork on display at the exhibition have said that they have loved being involved in the art sessions as they enable them to do something they enjoy in an informal and relaxed setting, whilst getting the support and advice they need from the advocacy service.

The exhibition was organised by mental health advocacy coordinator Bev Golding, mental health advocate Michael Ashton and social work student Febbie Mudumo.

Bev Golding, who also facilitated the sessions said, "The exhibition is a perfect opportunity for people on the wards at Fieldhead to show off their work and feel proud of their achievements. Taking part in the art sessions has been a really positive experience for the participants and having their work on display for all to see is a great way of celebrating that."

People with mental health problems celebrate their artwork at exhibition

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