Newport CAMHS Reception Redesign
BTEC Art students worked with local artists to transform the reception area at CAMHS in Newport into a more welcoming space for the children and young people who use it.
For this project, BTEC Art students at Isle of Wight College worked with Community Murals Isle of Wight to transform the reception area at the Community and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Newport into a more welcoming space for the children and young people who use it.
The design was inspired by feedback from CAMHS service users, and features a nature, marine habitat, and space themed mural using a limited palette. It aims to create an inviting atmosphere by starting outside, bringing you inside and wrapping around the reception area. The young people also created individual resin artworks that flow throughout the mural.
Through a series of practical workshops, Hollie and Emma worked with the IW College students to develop the redesign: experimenting with colour and themes to create a calming mood. The students learnt new skills such as ways to scale up their designs and developed existing skills like teamwork and communication, for which they earned digital badges.
We both thoroughly enjoyed working with the talented students to co-create this mural, transforming the CAMHS external space, entrance, and waiting area into a calming and inspiring environment. Their creativity and ideas were instrumental in shaping the final piece, making it a truly collaborative artwork that provides a welcoming and uplifting atmosphere for CAMHS users.
The final design was revealed at a celebration event attended by local education, children’s services, health and council leaders, as well as students, friends and family. The project has transformed the space and received an overwhelmingly positive response from the service users.
We are amazed and delighted at the new look for CAMHS. From the concept to creation, the collaboration - between the students, CAMHS service users and staff, the artists and Artswork - has truly made the environment here at CAMHS appropriate and therapeutic. Coming to a place you don’t know, to speak with people you don’t know about your mental health, is a challenge no matter your age. Thanks to all involved, we now have a welcoming environment that is calming and appropriate for our service users and we hope in some small way, allows the children attending to feel calmer and more relaxed when seeking support for their ongoing recovery journey.