Artwork aiming to reduce the stigma associated with mental health has been unveiled today on the Manannan Court construction site.

The artwork was commissioned by Manx Arts Development, part of the Department of Education and Children, to cover some of the external hoarding during building work on the new capital project for the Department of Health and Social Care.

Manannan Court will be an adult mental health inpatient facility providing high standard accommodation to promote patient recovery in a therapeutic, safe environment.

Linking with the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing: Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, Give’, students of three secondary schools, led by talented local artist Kate Jerry, have created large acrylic and mixed media collage boards.

On completion of the building the artwork will be relocated to the exterior of Manannan Court.

As the artwork was unveiled, Minister for Health and Social Care, Howard Quayle MHK said: “In May this year, Tynwald unanimously agreed to fund the construction of a new purpose built acute adult psychiatric inpatient facility here in the grounds of Noble’s Hospital, and construction got underway in June.

“Our Government priority is to protect the most vulnerable in our society.

“This building will increase our capacity to care for acute mental health patients. The facility has been designed to recognised Department of Health (UK) standards, creating a unit which promotes healing and recuperation, and is safe for staff and service users.

“Mental health and physical health are inextricably linked and by its very nature mental illness is unpredictable. Evidence suggests that the creative arts, including innovative use of colour and light in building construction, have a beneficial impact on patient recovery and welfare.

“Thank you to local artist Kate Jerry for her work with students from Ballakermeen High School, Queen Elizabeth II High School and Ramsey Grammar School. Under her guidance, they have created amazing images.

“This artwork will be a lasting reminder of how building relationships with each other can improve mental and physical wellbeing”.

Emma Callin, Arts Development Manager said: “The value of creative activities in health settings is becoming increasingly recognised, both in terms of raising awareness of important issues and benefiting wellbeing.

“During this project, the students learnt about mental health and wellbeing, mental illness and the work of psychiatric hospitals, helping to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness. They were challenged to learn and use new creative, artistic skills increasing their self-confidence by expressing themselves in the finished pieces.

“Manx Arts Development is delighted to work with the Mental Health Service on this and other projects, and we hope that by using the arts we can improve the experiences of people using this facility in the future. Our thanks go to the schools and to Kate.”