News

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust is inviting the public to get creative, to help brighten up their hospital and healthcare spaces buildings, as part of their new ‘Art for Health’ campaign.

The campaign aims to improve wellbeing of patients, staff, and visitors by encouraging people to contribute artwork that celebrates the beauty of the local landscapes and areas.

Whether you enjoy painting, drawing, photography, or crafts, your artwork could make a real difference to patients, staff, and visitors across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Anyone can submit high quality digital pictures of their artwork in any form showing landscapes from both counties. Submissions can be individual or as a group, with no limit on the number of photos.

Chosen artwork will be placed across the Trust’s sites, in areas such as hospitals, waiting areas, staff rooms, and corridors. Some pieces may also be displayed in specialised areas, such as dementia wards, where art can have a particularly calming and positive impact on patient experiences. 

Kate Wood, Community Engagement Manager for the Trust and lead for the project, said, “For patients, especially those experiencing mental health issues or conditions such as dementia, art can be a great tool. Research shows it can stimulate memory, reduce anxiety, and promote calmness. For children and young patients, the use of colours and shapes in artwork can spark imagination and support learning. We also recognise that visiting unfamiliar environments or new people can be overwhelming for some, so aim is to brighten up our spaces makes them more welcoming for all.

"Another benefit of this project is helping to enhance our work environments for staff. A more inviting and positive workspace supports staff wellbeing, leading to better patient care."

As part of the initiative, over 400 trust staff have already taken part by painting rocks and pebbles with designs and small messages of joy. These vibrant, hand-painted stones have been placed around the Trust sites, spreading positivity and joy.

Now the Trust is asking the community to join in too! Paint or write something positive on a little rock using rock paints, then place it outside one of our buildings to help build colourful outdoor art galleries. 

Kate adds: “We are excited to see as many people as possible getting involved in this campaign. Your contribution can really help enhance our hospitals and wards for anyone who walks through our doors.”

To take part, email your pictures along with your name and the title/location of the piece to whcnhs.communityengagement@nhs.net.

You can also take a picture of your painted rock and email us or tag us on social media using the hashtag #HWHCT.

For more details about the Art for Health campaign, visit the Trust’s website.