Young Artists Transform Calm Room At St Mary’s Hospital

A children’s Calm Room at St Mary’s Hospital has been transformed with colourful murals designed with help from young people on the Isle of Wight NHS Youth Forum.

The once-clinical space now features woodland, marine, beach and space-themed artwork, creating a calmer environment for children who may be anxious, neurodiverse, have learning difficulties or be in crisis.

The project was led by the NHS Youth Forum and local artist Laura Hathaway, as part of Artswork’s Young Cultural Changemakers programme.

Twenty-nine children from the Children’s Emergency Department and Children’s Ward contributed ideas through drawings and worksheets, helping shape the final designs.

Libby Henstridge, youth co-chair of the NHS Youth Forum, said she was "so proud" to have been involved in the project.

Ward Sister Sam Matthias said the new space would make "a huge difference" to children and families using the department.

The murals build on a similar project involving the Youth Forum, Artswork and Laura Hathaway which transformed the Children’s Ward garden in 2024.

The project is funded by Arts Council England.