In honour of Mental Health Week (4–12 October), staff, consumers, and volunteers at PA Hospital have come together to create a vibrant tapestry reflecting this year's theme, we look after our wellbeing by connecting with ourselves, others, community and nature.
Led by Recreation Officers Katherine Trotman and Gabe Peters, the initiative invited participants to design individual squares that were stitched together into a large, collaborative artwork. The result is a striking visual representation of unity and shared experience.
“It’s a truly collaborative project,” said Gabe.
“We’ve had contributions from consumers, staff, and external organisations like Logan Hospital, the Disaster Recovery Unit, Crisis Support Space and Grevillea Ward. Everyone was welcome family members, friends, anyone who wanted to be involved could take part.”
Katherine said she loved seeing the creativity it inspired across teams.
“I love the way it has brought out the creative side of our Allied Health team, who also contributed. My five-year-old daughter even did a square — I love the involvement from so many,” she said.
The spirit of collaboration extended as far as Logan Hospital, where consumers and staff created squares for the tapestry, and Recreation Officers from the PA contributed a mosaic skateboard for Logan’s Mental Health Week art project.
"It’s been a wonderfully reciprocal process.”
Gabe says the initiative sparked a wave of creativity, offering consumers a meaningful outlet to reflect on their health journeys and express themselves through art.
“We’re building connections with each other and with services, and consumers have had a beautiful time creating these artworks,” she said.
The tapestry is on display at PA Hospital Foyer throughout Mental Health Week, adding a beautiful pop of colour and creativity to the space, while inviting passersby to pause, reflect, and share in a touching journey told through the human experience in healthcare.
To continue weaving connections blank squares have been placed near the tapestry display for anyone to add their own design or message.