The Conversation | Mental Health Trust
Q
Why is it important to have LGBT+ visibility in the workplace?
Q
Is this particularly important in a mental health trust?
Q
You offer art therapy – what makes that service so effective?
Q
The LGBT+ community has been in the shadows for long enough. LGBT+ visibility is needed so that we can celebrate the wonderful diversity that exists in our community. It’s important that we work alongside peers who identify as LGBT+ so that we can try to understand their story, reduce stigma and promote inclusion further. In turn, our staff will be able to better serve patients who might be LGBT+ too.
Mental illness affects the LGBT+ community greatly, and some research suggests that they’re more likely to have mental health problems, often linked to experiences of discrimination and bullying. When patients see a member of staff with a rainbow lanyard, we hope that they’ll be more open with us, and that this helps us to provide better care.
Art therapy is used to help people communicate when they find it difficult to say how they feel. Sometimes, people aren’t good at talking, but if they are offered an alternative form of therapy, like art therapy, it can reduce stress and may help them open up. Art therapy is a powerful way of focusing on the whole person, not just the symptoms of a person’s mental illness. Sometimes, it can help the therapist to identify underlying or suppressed issues and emotions. At Broadmoor Hospital, some of our patients’ art has been displayed on the wards. We feel this gives the patients a sense of pride and purpose.
WLMHT manages Broadmoor Hospital, in Berkshire, which is often talked about as a mysterious, scary place, and mistaken as a prison. Why do you think that has happened? I think in part this is due to the Victorian buildings. Another issue is that we care for patients who have previously offended, and some are high-profile, which means that if Broadmoor is discussed in the media, these individuals and their images are used.
52 • happiful • May 2018
Art therapy is a powerful way of focusing on the whole person, not just the symptoms of a person’s mental illness