Mental Health Museum marks mental health care milestone with open day

Date:

The Trust’s Mental Health Museum opened its doors to celebrate 50 years of Fieldhead hospital with a special open day on

Table of craft activities
Crafts available to take part in on the day

Saturday 22 October.

On 11 July 1972, Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra officially opened Fieldhead hospital. Local people were invited to tour the Museum as part of the open day event to see how mental health care has changed over the last 200 years.

Over 60 people booked a place on a guided tour to view the Museum’s collections and exhibitions, many of which include artefacts and stories from people who worked at or received care from Fieldhead.

Attendees could also get crafty with the chance to create their own ‘pebble pet’ or have a go at paper weaving.

At the event, the Museum team also took the opportunity to expand their oral history archive, documenting the stories of the people of South and West Yorkshire. The archive will create a record of people’s mental health stories in order to challenge beliefs and perspectives.

Small bushes spelling out 'Fieldhead'
A flower bed installation created by the Fieldhead grounds team

Ash Mahmood, Creative Minds development worker, said: “It was fantastic to welcome so many people to view our unique Museum collections. As one of only a few mental health museums in the UK, we are passionate about showcasing our resources to reduce stigma, encourage discussions, and to share how mental health care has developed over the years.

“We were really pleased to be able to host this event to mark 50 years of mental health care at Fieldhead with a look back at its fascinating history.”

Admission to the Mental Health Museum is free, and opening times are by appointment on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1 – 4pm. Visit https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk/mental-health-museum/ to find out more.

Mental Health Museum marks mental health care milestone with open day

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