Patients, staff, and volunteers, at a secure hospital for people with mental illnesses in Hull have painted a ‘massive mural’ of an American diner on its walls.
The multi-coloured design has transformed a drab café at the Humber Centre in Willerby Hill run by Humber NHS Foundation Trust. Karl Tamminen, the Trustwide professional lead for Arts Therapies, who sketched the mural, said: “Its aim is to change perceptions of the people who live here, allow staff to work with them on a shared project, and give our patients a say over their environment. It’s made a dull space far more inviting, and given lots of people great pleasure in the process.”
The mural is the second to adorn the centre’s walls following the completion of a giant street scene in a corridor last summer. “Our patients asked if they could decorate the café’s walls to improve their dining experience so it would feel more like a restaurant they might go to in the community,” explained Mr Tamminen, who is also the Trust’s clinical specialist in Forensic Art Therapy. “A patient group agreed the overall design themes, and then I sketched out an American diner over a couple of months, colour-coding each section to simplify the painting process so anyone could have a go. Painting sessions have proven so popular that some patients have cancelled leave so they can attend.”
Mr Tamminen, who has worked within the Trust’s secure services for 28 years, has already sketched out a third mural – an Italian restaurant – in another café, with plans in place for a fourth – a Victorian library – in an adjoining room.