The Maudsley Hospital Place of Safety mural, in collaboration with artist Ellen Rose, March 2024. Commissioned by the NHS in partnership with Bethlem Gallery.

The Place of Safety is a space for adults who are detained temporarily under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act. A single stay can last up to 72 hours until service users are assessed and a decision is made about their future care.

Ellen and I were asked to create a soothing and calming mural in what can be a very stressful environment with no access to outside space. It was a privilege to work alongside NHS staff and to witness their outstanding care for service users who are in an extremely vulnerable state when they enter The Place of Safety.