North East NHS staff hosted an awards ceremony celebrating the artistic talents of their patients.
Staff at Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (NTW), a provider of mental health and disability services held their sixth annual Koestler awards ceremony at Northgate Hospital in Morpeth.
John Lawlor, Chief Executive at NTW along with Sally Taylor, Chief Executive of the Koestler Trust presented service users from Northgate Hospital with their awards. Many of the awards received were commended gold and highly commended. Some of the artwork has been used by the Royal College Psychiatry Quality Network in their publications.
Following an illustrated presentation on the work of the Koestler Trust for the arts, Sally said: “I was delighted to visit Northgate Hospital for the first time, and meet so many people who contribute to the great entries we always receive for the Koestler Awards. My congratulations to all.”
My congratulations to all
Sally TaylorChief Executive of the Koestler Trust
John Lawlor said at the presentation: “I am delighted to share in your success and view the fantastic work shown here today.”
Jane Akhurst, Arts Project Manager at NTW said: “We have had another amazing year; our service users have submitted some amazing pieces of art. Every piece submitted has been outstanding. We encourage all our service users to become involved in the art groups. Being involved helps develop their interests and talents, it gives them a feeling of self-worth.”
Founded by writer Arthur Koestler, the Koestler Trust, has been awarding, exhibiting and selling artworks by offenders, detainees and secure patients for 55 years. They receive over 7,000 entries a year in 52 different categories. Koestler exhibitions attract 50,000 visitors at venues across the country annually ¬showing the public the talent and potential of offenders and people in secure settings.