Inspiring new mural

Inspiring new mural at Bristol care home to lift residents' spirits

A Bristol care home has teamed up with a local street artist to create a new nature-inspired mural to lift the spirits of residents, where visits are still restricted due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The location of the new mural is within the vegetable garden of Tramways, a residential care home which supports people with mental health needs and is run by social care charity Milestones Trust.

Residents brainstormed ideas for the mural designed by street artist Gage. The final piece is inspired by their new-found interest in growing their own fruit and vegetables, as well as increasing visits from new wildlife spotted in the garden during lockdown. This included both foxes and squirrels, both of which feature in the artwork alongside fruit and vegetable motifs.

Milestones Trust encourages those it supports to embrace their creativity through many different arts initiatives, as it helps to have a positive impact on their mental health and well-being. This year, residents at Tramways have also benefited from getting involved in growing their own courgettes, runner beans and cabbages as well as enjoying pies and crumbles made from their own home-grown fruit.

People supported by Tramways watched the mural being created and some got involved in spraying canvases to create artwork for their bedrooms and communal spaces.

Kirsty Armstrong, activities coordinator at Tramways, said: "We wanted to engage a talented local artist to reflect some of the peaceful daily activities we have all been enjoying at Tramways, particularly while outside visits have been limited. All the people we support enjoy the garden for different reasons.

"Our resident cat, Jet, who is loved and looked after by all at Tramways was chosen to feature somewhere on the mural too. We have had lots of fun trying to get the right photograph to capture his personality! He brings so much joy to the home."

Gage, who has transformed many spaces in Bristol said "I was really excited when Tramways approached me and it was fun designing a piece full of their great ideas. We've all been affected by the restrictions from lockdown in different ways, but hopefully this new artwork goes some way to lifting people's spirits and provides a relaxing and inspiring place for them." Beth Hendry, director for mental health services at Milestones trust added: "We love the mural that Gage has created for Tramways, and it has even more meaning because the residents can see the ideas they contributed. It's really transformed the space, and we hope will inspire everyone at Tramways to get some fresh air and exercise, while enjoying this wonderful artwork."

Milestones Trust supports people with mental health needs, dementia and learning disabilities in the South West.