swstlg animationMental health inpatients at Shaftesbury Clinic in southwest London have created a new animated film that aims to provide an insight into life on the wards through 26 everyday objects.

The animation, named A to Z of Objects, gives viewers the chance to experience the various facets of life in the South West London and St George’s Mental Health Trust (SWLSTG) clinic.

Lead occupational therapist at Shaftesbury Clinic, Sarah Cook, said: “This project and others like it are valuable in reminding our patients that there is life outside the clinic.

"They can also help to point the way towards options people might have when they do leave us. At SWLSTG we place great emphasis on helping service users find work and volunteering opportunities. Their interest and enthusiasm has really been sparked by animation. And, of course, it is important that the Trust maximises opportunities itself by developing partnership working with other organisations."

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Patients made the film in collaboration with experts from South London’s Horniman Museum and Gardens, which will be screening the movie at www.horniman.ac.uk.  

Representatives from Horniman Museum will join the patient film-makers along with their families and friends for the premiere on the ward at SWLSTG’s Springfield University Hospital in Tooting.

SWSLTG patient Benjamin said: “I really enjoyed the chance to contribute something creative. We animated ordinary objects like sugar, tobacco and toys, anything really, to show what life is like here.”

Clips included in the film include a cartoon bottom getting ready for an injection and a teddy bear emerging from a gift box.

SWLSTG and Horniman Museum plan to expand their ties following this project and hope to collaborate on more projects to promote positive mental health in the future.