300 colourful messages of hope lit up the PA Hospital foyer for Queensland Mental Health Week, thanks to a unique art installation created by consumers.
The translucent tiles feature beautiful artwork, affirmations and personal messages of encouragement.
Senior Leisure Therapist Leah Dufficy said the Together We Fly installation was developed to celebrate connection, recovery and the importance of support networks in mental health.
“The wings represent the idea that no bird flies with just one feather. Each feather symbolises someone who contributes to a person’s recovery journey, whether that’s family, friends, health professionals, peer workers or the broader community,” she said.
“It’s a reminder that recovery isn’t something we have to navigate alone, and incorporates this year’s Mental Health Week theme Build Community, Build Wellbeing.”
Three months in the making, the collaboration between Inpatient Wards and Grevillea Unit has been a labour of love.
“The project provided a meaningful opportunity for consumers to get involved creatively, contribute to something bigger and see their individual efforts come together as a shared piece of artwork,” said Leah.
The individual tiles are suspended to catch the light and feature messages such as ‘You are not your past’ and ‘Small steps lead to big results.’
Leah said she’s proud to work alongside such a diverse and dedicated team who genuinely care about making a difference in people’s lives.
“A special acknowledgement to our Recreation team, who put an enormous amount of time and creativity into the display and activities, alongside our Peer workforce and new Allied Health Assistant, who helped bring everything together. It’s been a fantastic team effort.”
“Our consumers have so much to offer, and it’s wonderful to create opportunities where their strengths, creativity and contributions can be recognised and celebrated.”