The Forensic Hospital, Malabar, a health service of the Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, is a 135-bed high security mental health facility for consumers with mental illness who have been in contact with the criminal justice system. The hospital has successfully established an art therapy program which uses art as a creative tool to support personalised patient care.
Art therapy is a particularly beneficial mode of working within the forensic system, as it provides safety and anonymity whilst enabling individuals to express themselves. Within the Forensic Hospital, art therapy is offered in both a group and individual capacity—art therapy groups are spaces where consumers can strengthen their sense of community, increase social interaction, develop a sense of identity and deeper self-understanding.
The consumers who engage with the program come from several units across the hospital and present with a range of mental health experiences and requirements. Depending on their presentations, diagnoses, personalities and preferences, consumers use various modalities, mediums and processes. Some consumers have used art to express their internal worlds and stories, and some to create beauty and normality in difficult situations. Art therapy significantly limits boredom, reduces aggression, provides safety and anonymity whilst still enabling individuals to express themselves.
Arts in health directly contributes to key objectives of the Future Health Strategic Framework, notably to bring kindness and compassion into the delivery of personalised and culturally safe care.
