This summer, Thurrock and Brentwood Mind brought together service users, local residents, and artists to create something truly special for our Wellbeing Garden four large murals inspired by the natural elements: Earth, Air, Water and Fire.
Each mural uses colours, textures and imagery chosen to reflect its element, creating a calming and uplifting space for visitors. The project was born from ideas shared by our TB Mind Lived Experience Panel, who felt that creative expression could offer a powerful way for people to explore their emotions and connection to wellbeing.
Community-Created Tiles
Throughout the summer, we hosted a series of creative events where service users and community members were invited to design individual tiles including the Thurrock Big Lunches, days at local libraries and at Inlcusions Recovery College and Cafe. These tiles interpreted the four elements through the lens of mental health, whether symbolic, abstract or simply a reflection of how participants were feeling that day. Each tile now forms part of the finished murals, making this a truly collective artwork.
Created With Local Artists
We were delighted to collaborate with local artists Lottie and Lucy from Well Social CIC, who supported the concept, guided the design process, and helped bring the vision to life. Their ideas were inspired by our new Wellbeing Space, which opened this summer at our head office in Grays for staff and service users to enjoy as a place of calm, creativity and reflection.
Supported by Our Funders
This project was generously funded by Start Thurrock and Thurrock and Brentwood Mind, enabling us to offer free, inclusive creative sessions and produce lasting artwork that will benefit our community for years to come.
Into the Future
The murals have brought a true sense of community into the garden and a feeling of shared ownership to the space for our service users. Our Lived Experience Panel and the artists are already exploring ways to build on this project next year creating features that will be even more interactive, engaging and inspiring for everyone who spends time in the garden.
