Mental health wards are set to be transformed with 'world-class' art.

The charity, Hospital Rooms, is working closely with 'internationally-renowned' local and national artists, patients and staff to create 15 major artworks for the Rivers Centre which is currently under construction at Hellesdon Hospital in Norwich, part of the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.

The project also collaborates with Norwich University of the Arts, Sainsbury Centre, and Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery.

Tim Steer, Hospital Rooms senior project curator, said: “We’re thrilled and immensely proud to be working with Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust on what is our most innovative project to date.”

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The project has included 70 art workshops across wards and services and has helped reach hundreds of people from diverse populations.

The aim is that these sessions will inspire the artists’ final installations.

Debs Agar, a senior occupational therapist at Hellesdon, said: “I have worked at Hellesdon Hospital for more than 11 years and it has been so refreshing to be involved in this project to create a better environment for the people we support.

"It has been a pleasure to see the collaborative work between the artists coming in and our patients and staff at Hellesdon, especially with everyone inspiring and motivating each other to produce quality art.”

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One in-patient said: “I am keen to come back and see that my small contribution today will have a lasting impact into the future on the care for people who may, like me, experience a difficult and dark chapter in their lives.”

Dr Sophie Bagge, who is leading the project for Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The workshops have been an immense privilege to be a part of.

"They have created connection, conversation, reflection, intrigue and most importantly hope."

Workshops continue this month, accessible to current in-patients, community service users, carers, supporters, and staff.