Creative communication: art from the heart

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By Candace Davis
November 12, 2006 EAST

Young people from the Mater Kids in Mind day unit and inpatient ward have discovered how a picture really can tell a thousand words.

Patients from the Mater Children’s Hospital mental health unit are often encouraged to use art therapy as a means of communication.

Several young people recently collaborated to create artwork for a Mater exhibition that opened Monday 9 October for Mental Health Week. The display showcased their creative works, keeping with this year’s Mental Health Week theme “Link Up for Life: Get back Out There.”

Volunteers, tertiary students and staff helped plan the successful event.

“Art therapy is used in conjunction with more formal models of care to aid young people in exploring their feelings, emotions, conflict and relationship issues in a safe environment,” Kids in Mind Inpatient Unit Director Dr James Scott said.

About 12 pieces were on display for public viewing in the Community Services Building last month.

Mater Art Therapist Claire Edwards said the exhibition was designed to raise awareness of art therapy and Mater Kids in Mind, demystify mental health issues, and give young people a sense of pride and achievement.

“Through this therapy, young people have an avenue to open up and express themselves, when words sometimes don’t flow freely,” she said. “It also gives them the chance to see something that they’ve personally accomplished.”

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