Two artists are putting the finishing touches to bespoke murals which will help create a calming and welcoming environment at a new inpatient unit providing specialist care for mothers with serious mental health problems.

Norwich Evening News: Artist Toby Rampton working on his designs for NSFT's new Kingfisher Mother and Baby Unit. Photo: NSFTArtist Toby Rampton working on his designs for NSFT's new Kingfisher Mother and Baby Unit. Photo: NSFT (Image: NSFT)

Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust (NSFT) commissioned Toby Rampton and Bev Coraldean, who both have studios in Norwich, to create the work for its new Kingfisher Mother and Baby Unit.

Due to open at Hellesdon Hospital in Norwich in late January, the eight-bedded unit will ensure mums and their babies can stay together while the mother receives inpatient care for conditions such as severe postnatal depression and postpartum psychosis. Work on the bedrooms is nearing completion, while staff have also consulted with patients to choose a muted, homely and welcoming colour palette for the walls.

In addition, Toby has been developing a nature-themed mural for the nursery which features flowers and animals, while Bev has created floral designs for the baby bathroom and quiet room. The duo have worked closely together throughout to ensure the designs tie in with each other, while patients have also been given the chance to comment on the artwork.

Screen printer Toby, whose work is regularly used in magazines and to illustrate children's stories, said: 'I keep all of the designs I create for children simple and fun, and have added lots of little details so that people see something new every time they look at the piece. Bev and I have also taken extra care with this work because of the audience. We have tried to make sure everything we have created is user-friendly and calming so that it doesn't cause any distress to the people using the space.'

Norwich Evening News: Artwork for NSFT's new Kingfisher Mother and Baby Unit. Photo: NSFTArtwork for NSFT's new Kingfisher Mother and Baby Unit. Photo: NSFT (Image: NSFT)

Bev is an illustrator who has completed several murals in the past, including artwork at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. She said: 'I have based my murals on the colour schemes already running throughout the building, and have used spring flowers in one and varieties you would expect to see in the winter in the other. We want the art to help create a non-clinical, peaceful and calming ambience for everyone using the unit. Artwork can make a real difference in healthcare spaces, and we hope that our pieces will help ensure the MBU is a calming place where people can relax.'

Norwich Evening News: Artists Toby Rampton and Bev Coraldean working on their designs for NSFT's new Kingfisher Mother and Baby Unit.Photo: NSFTArtists Toby Rampton and Bev Coraldean working on their designs for NSFT's new Kingfisher Mother and Baby Unit.Photo: NSFT (Image: NSFT)

Norwich Evening News: Artist Bev Coraldean working on her designs for NSFT's new Kingfisher Mother and Baby Unit. Photo: NSFTArtist Bev Coraldean working on her designs for NSFT's new Kingfisher Mother and Baby Unit. Photo: NSFT (Image: NSFT)