Tough choices made in picking award-winners

Held following a busy first day of the 2024 DiMHN conference and exhibition, the Design in Mental Health Awards 2024 were presented as part of an early evening drinks reception in The Gallery — a multi-purpose space that connects Central Hall and the Charter Suite at Manchester Central. On arrival, guests were entertained by guitarist, Guy Connor, and had the chance to network as they enjoyed canapés and liquid refreshment. Magician, Adam Smith, similarly helped keep attendees entertained at their tables.

Following drinks and networking, the evening's host and Master of Ceremonies, Andy Powell, introduced himself, and welcomed guests to the 11th DiMH 2024 awards held to date. His next task was to introduce this year's DiMHN charity partner, Arc (Arts for Recovery in the Community), a Stockport-based arts and mental health charity — whose CEO, Jacqui Wood, then told attendees a little bit about Arc's work. She explained: "As an arts and mental health charity, your values are very much aligned to ours. We understand the power of creativity in transforming people's lives. While not a design company, we work in healthcare settings, for example training people such as nurses to use creative techniques in their patient care. We also have a centre in Stockport's iconic Hat Works Building — a cultural and heritage setting in the middle of the town. Our work — which is all about mental health and addressing stigma and recovery — is in a very public setting. This is important, because certainly since the pandemic, I feel the understanding and relevance of mental health for everyone has become so much broader." Among those Arc works with are mothers experiencing perinatal illness, and children and young people — including secondary school age children struggling with anxiety and depression, and unable to attend school. Jacqui Wood said: "Many have OCD, and have experienced all sorts of other traumatic life events. The work that we do in music and visual arts helps them re-build their confidence and social connections, enabling them to go back to school, and move on with their lives."

The Arc CEO said the charity also had a 'huge' adult programme — with adults referred to it with a range of mental health issues, and — especially recently — it had had many referrals from people with physical health issues that were also impacting their mental health. The charity also runs a programme for older people. Arc works very closely with the local health authority, which recognises the value of its work in helping service-users on their mental health pathway. Jacqui Wood said: "We work right from the acute to the preventative end. People can come into our centre; they might feel a bit lonely or isolated, and may not have a diagnosis of a mental health problem, but they will all receive a warm welcome. There are volunteers, a café, and drop-in activities. When they leave the building, I want everybody to feel better than when they came in. That might be looking at one of our exhibitions, participating in a workshop, talking to our volunteers, or some of our participants. It's about a warm, welcoming, inclusive space that enables people to be the best they can be."