Consumers at the Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit (SMHRU) have expressed themselves while tapping into their creativity by creating personalised T-shirts.
Facilitated by art therapist Alana Sawrey, the activity has helped build rapport in the newly opened unit, fostered curiosity by inspiring consumers to discuss each other's designs and created a sense of pride as they wear their shirts around the ward.
Several of the designs related to cultural identity, including T-shirts featuring the Aboriginal and West Papua flags.
Alana said the exercise was an accessible way for consumers to express themselves and, crucially, receive positive comments from their peers.
“Being in hospital for a long time means some of our consumers lose a little of their personal identity and creating their own T-shirts has been a great way to help them find and build their identity again," she said.
“There were also practical benefits, with staff supporting consumers to focus on building their skills and confidence through a step-by-step process.
“From seeing them follow instructions and sustain attention on the task to gain a sense of mastery and achievement, it was a truly rewarding activity for all involved.”
Located at Gold Coast University Hospital, the SMHRU provides long-term, secure care for adults with severe and complex mental health conditions.
The unit is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals, including doctors, nurses, allied health staff and lived experience peer workers.
The SMHRU welcomed its first consumers in March with a staged opening of Banksia ward, allowing for safe treatment and care pathways to be tested before expanding to its full 20-bed capacity. Planning is underway to open a second ward (Sandalwood) within the next year.
