CHARITY SPOTLIGHT
ART TRANSFORMS MENTAL HEALTH
Hospital Rooms is a charity founded by artists Tim A Shaw and Niamh White , which “ believes in the enduring power of art to instil value , dignity and wellbeing in people .” They commission museum quality artists to create inventive and compliant atmospheres for mental health units , as well as programming workshops for service users that encourage meaningful participation in artistic activities . These first two projects saw them work with consultants , clinicians , therapists and the South West London Mental Health NHS Trust to ensure that all the work created was suitable for the environment , taking into account physical , logistical and hygiene concerns . Up to 18 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia can reside in the Phoenix Ward at a time for up to three years , until they are ready to be independent again . Artists such as Joh Bates , Sophie Clements , Nick Knight and Turner prize-winning Assemble were commissioned for the project , with a lot of the artwork already created by the residents also on show .
Springfield University Hospital in Tooting , London , has seen an artistic transformation of its Phoenix Ward , which is now home to pieces from award-winning artists as well as the residents themselves .
BY SIAN KISSOCK
INTRODUCING ... STANDTALL
Domestic abuse stories crop up constantly within the media , but unless experienced or seen first-hand , the issue often gets swept under the carpet . The harsh reality is that at least 2 women in the UK will be killed each week by their significant other or an ex-partner .
One young lady who knows first-hand the devastating effects of an abusive relationship is 27-year-old , Esther Marshall , from London . About 10 years ago , Esther found herself in an abusive relationship with a man that would hurt her , would leave her crying in pain , and ultimately destroyed her selfconfidence . After attending a One Young World Conference in 2014 , Esther was inspired to use the pain of her past in a positive way , to help other women who are suffering through abusive relationships . And so began the creation of ‘ sTandTall ’!
‘ sTandTall ’ hopes to tackle issues of abuse in two different ways . Firstly , the online platform will allow women who have endured any form of abuse , ( be it domestic , sexual , financial etc .), to go to the website and find various charities , NGO ’ s , clubs and activities that will work to help them overcome their situation . The second way , is the creation of a curriculum that will be presented in schools through a series of sessions . One session acts as an overview of abuse and bullying , presented to both boys and girls . And another is a proactive and reactive session just for girls that teaches them to spot the signs of unhealthy relationships . When the platform receives enough funding Esther aims to set up ‘ sTandTall Homes ’ - a holistic centre that provides women from abusive relationships all of the help they need in one place . To find out more you can visit the website www . standtall . org .
What do you do if you find yourself in an abusive relationship ? Esther says : Take the time that you need in order to feel comfortable in getting the help you want , and do not be swayed by other people about who you have to be .
BY JULIET VANDENSTEEN
6 | Actus | June 2017