Creative collaboration creates wall designs for The Dales

Musical memories, childhood sweets, a “wonder dog” and a member of staff taking care of a poorly pigeon have all inspired new murals installed at a Trust mental health unit in Halifax.

With local mural artist Ekaterina Sheath, service users from The Dales at Calderdale Royal Hospital turned their ideas into images which now feature on the walls of the wards.

As part of a series of interactive workshops, service users and staff were able to explore their creativity and come up with the new designs which include a record player, trees and plants, and bold graphic shapes.

Each durable and washable piece of artwork has been made from recycled plastic bottles, supporting the Trust’s commitment to sustainability.

They are the first in a series of murals to be installed at The Dales, with more to follow at the Trust’s Nostell and Stanley wards in Wakefield.

David McQuillan, programme manager, said: “These lovely murals were the result of a number of workshops with service users and staff, meaning that they’ve had significant input into the look of their ward space. As well as the murals making the ward look welcoming and bright, they represent how much we value creativity in recovery at our Trust.”

The Trust is planning to work with other wards in the future to create more personalised artworks.