3 days Ago
A new artwork has been unveiled in a hospital mental health unit. The painting by volunteer Ian Peters, from Bolton Carers Service, is now a permanent fixture in the Rivington Unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital. Mr Peters' piece depicts the important role carers and volunteers play in the community.
The painting, which will now serve as a "lasting legacy," was revealed at an event attended by the artist and his family, senior hospital members, and representatives from Making Space and Bolton Carers Service. L to R: GMMH Head of Operations, Bolton Division, Simon Johns, and Ian Peters (Image: Supplied) Mr Peters said: "This artwork represents the vital role that carers and volunteers play in supporting people, both within the Rivington Unit and the wider community. "I wanted to capture how carers, the NHS teams, Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH), and Making Space must work together, like the intricate parts of a clock, to provide the support carers need.
"Without that teamwork, everything could fall apart, just like a broken clock. "The clock and the world in the piece symbolise how even a few minutes of a carer’s time can mean the world to someone in need." The carer's room, which provides support to carers while their loved ones receive treatment, will now feature the painting.
The idea for the artwork came from a call by Making Space’s Carer Support Workers for artistic contributions to the newly renovated space. While many carers donated pieces, Mr Peters decided to create a bespoke piece to specifically honour their role in the unit. The painting celebrates the efforts of carers, NHS teams, Greater Manchester Mental Health, and Making Space.
(Image: Supplied) Simon Johns, GMMH head of operations for the Bolton division, said: "Carers are the unsung heroes of mental health, providing the patience, understanding, and support that makes recovery possible. "Without them, the whole system would fall down. "With them, we can work together, each of us being a vital cog in the machine.
"This is ably captured in this wonderful piece of art." Care workers Saf and Sam from Making Space said: "The carer’s room is a vital part of the support we provide at the hospital. "We are incredibly proud of Ian, his artwork beautifully captures the importance of carers and the strength of community support.
"We hope it inspires others to reach out, whether to seek help or to find ways to support carers in their local community through Making Space or GMMH." Read more: Longstanding Bolton Hospital Cup gets under way again 'Communities, care homes and Covid': Five years on since Bolton locked down Mobile Covid vaccination van to rolls into Bolton Making Space has been providing dedicated carer support at the Rivington Unit for more than 10 years. Commissioned by Bolton Council , the service supports carers of loved ones under GMMH.
The carer’s room offers emotional support, signposting, and drop-in sessions for those in crisis. Making Space also runs carer groups and events, including welfare rights sessions and creative workshops..
