Leicester College students transform the Hawthorn Centre at Coalville Community Hospital with makeover

Leicester College students have helped to transform the Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust's Hawthorn Centre in Coalville by creating a brand new mural for the refurbished outpatient mental health centre, using the theme of ‘The Secret Garden’.

The brief for the project was developed collaboratively by Hawthorn Centre staff and a group of patients, who were eager to create a mural for one of their therapy rooms.

A small group of Leicester College Art and Design BTEC students worked for six weeks alongside professional artist, Indre Rimselyte to conceptualise, design and develop the mural. After the centre was refurbished, the students began applying their design to the wall, which was then completed and ready to enhance the therapy room when it reopened.

Lainy Brotherhood, a senior administration manager at the Hawthorn Centre, said: “The mural provided by the artists of Leicester College has made a huge improvement to the wellbeing of patients attending their group therapy sessions and staff that utilise the Hawthorn Centre. The Secret Garden provides a warm, safe environment to channel their inner feelings, emotions and stress and improves focus, communication and self-esteem.”

Natalie Ventrone, Work Experience Coordinator, led the group of BTEC Art and Design students from Leicester College. They collaborated with professional artist Indre Rimselyte and were particularly eager to incorporate the opinions of both staff and patients into the design.

“They were keen to give the space a less clinical feel and create a more relaxed and inviting environment. We came up with the concept of The Secret Garden - bringing the outside in.”

Artist, Indre Rimselyte commented: “Through the years, I have worked on many different art projects murals and design work. So, it brings me a lot of joy to be able to share my experience and knowledge with young designers and future artists. I hope this project is a pillar that boosts their future career paths to greater heights and gives confidence in achieving big.

“During the painting we were a team, a force and great energy that took over the space and completely changed it. I’m so proud of everyone who put in the effort, creativity and their time to be part of the project. It’s brought me a lot of joy and validation working with a team. Amazing things can be achieved while creating together.”

Zehra Topbas, student at Leicester College said: ''It was wonderful working on this project. We’re very lucky to have had the opportunity to work with such a successful artist like Indre Rimselyte on this mural project. We learned a lot from her.''