Celebrating creativity

People receiving treatment on the wards at Fieldhead have been getting creative during special art sessions facilitated by the Cloverleaf Advocacy Recreational Referral (CARR) group. The CARR group is a mental health advocacy service, which offers support and advice to people using the Trust’s services. The artwork produced during these sessions was so good that Cloverleaf coordinator Bev Golding, decided to organise a unique exhibition at Wakefield Cathedral to celebrate the participants’ creative talents.

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

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.

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."