News

Art sessions on an inpatient ward at North London NHS Foundation Trust (NLFT) are helping to break down barriers between staff and service users - while improving wellbeing and transforming the ward environment from a clinical space to a creative one. 

The initiative on Devon Ward is being highlighted as part of Creativity and Wellbeing Week (18–24 May), a national campaign celebrating the role of creativity in supporting health and wellbeing.

Devon Ward, a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for male service users, has been running weekly art sessions for the past three years, led by Art Psychotherapist Fi Grainger.

The sessions began as a co-produced mural project for the ward’s shared space. Staff and service users worked together to design and create the artwork, helping to build a shared sense of identity and ownership. By the end of the project, there were clear improvements in relationships across the ward and increases in wellbeing.

Since then, the sessions have continued as a regular feature, offering an informal, inclusive space where everyone creates alongside one another. Described by Fi as a “kitchen table moment”, the sessions combine music, conversation and art-making, encouraging people to connect beyond traditional roles.

The groups are designed to be flexible and easy to join, allowing people to take part in ways that suit how they are feeling. As well as supporting creativity, the sessions help with emotional regulation, communication and building a sense of being seen and understood.

“Art therapy on Devon Ward provides a calm and supportive space where service users can express thoughts and emotions that may be difficult to verbalise,” said Amevi Anaglavi, Ward Manager at Devon Ward.

 “Through creative activities, service users often experience reduced anxiety, improved mood, and increased self-awareness.”

Walking around Devon Ward, its clear that creativity is now a big part of its identity. Walls are filled with expressive artwork, transforming the environment from a clinical space into one that feels more welcoming and personal.

Importantly, the artwork is displayed without distinction between service user or staff member. This approach challenges traditional hierarchies within inpatient settings and supports dignity, inclusion and shared ownership of the space.

This co-production approach is also being used more widely across the Trust, including at Park Avenue, where the Enfield North Core Team has developed a creative art therapy group to help shape their new space.

Learn more about Creativity and Wellbeing Week.