stARTalking at Northpark Private Hospital Since the days of Van Gough the benefits of art therapy have long been supported by mental health facilities as a key creative expression outlet for patients. Developed in 2013 the stARTalking project involves La Trobe University undergraduate nursing students who are enrolled in mental health nursing and are participating in an art workshop during their clinical placement experience. The first stARTalking program was run at Northpark in early September with much success. “Our patients really enjoyed the program and we certainly saw the benefits of a providing a creative outlet as part of their treatment plan. Many of the patient’s commented how relaxing it was and how the enjoyed being able to express themselves,” explains Ilona Ryan, Education Co-Ordinator. “It was great to share ideas and talk about our common interests,” one Northpark patient commented. “I have had a tough couple of days and this art class was a good distraction, it reminded me of happier times in my life,” Equally the student nurses benefited from stARTalking program. “It was a good chance to meet the new patients and get to know them and talk about other things than just why they were here. What we all noticed was that there was no hierarchy to the room, we were all equal – on one level with patients which made the conversation easy,” commented a La Trobe nursing student. It is estimated that 60 nursing students will be involved in the project along with a number of mental health patients. The art workshops will be led by registered mental health nurse academics. The stARTalking exhibition is planned for February 2015 at La Trobe University to coincide with O-Week and Nursing orientation. (Art by a Patient and a Nursing Student) #stARTalking #art #letstalk
Posted on: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 00:13:23 +0000
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