Tree of Hope: A symbol of recovery and resilience on Rosa Parks Ward
The Tree of Hope mural, a collaborative project led by occupational therapist Naesha Spence and co-created with service users, has brought a renewed sense of hope and empowerment to inpatients on Rosa Parks Ward.
This vibrant mural, located on a wall within the ward, was inspired by Naesha’s passion for art and her dedication to enhancing the experience of those in her care. Recognising that the inpatient journey can often be fraught with challenging emotions such as fear, anger, sadness, and dread - especially for those newly admitted - Naesha sought to counterbalance this negativity with creativity and connection.
She said:
By co-producing this project with service users, I hoped to foster a sense of ownership and pride, helping them visualise a brighter future even in the midst of difficult moments.
Naesha Spence, Occupational Therapist at Rosa Parks ward, in front of the Tree of Hope.
The Tree of Hope is adorned with messages written by service users upon their discharge, marking their aspirations and affirmations. These heartfelt contributions range from personal goals like stopping smoking or drinking more water to emotional milestones, such as reconnecting with loved ones.
Naesha said:
Each message is meaningful and unique to the individual, representing their personal journey.
The process of creating and contributing to the mural has been a wholly positive one for the service users on Rosa Parks ward.
A current service user said:
I felt alleviated, it took a lot of stress out of what is happening day-to-day in isolation, and it helped me express any sort of discontent that I was feeling with what was happening with my mental state.
Anwar, an inpatient at Rosa Parks ward, said:
The Tree of Hope gives a ray of hope for the future and provides a positive outlook on things, and I think it will give new people light and an understanding that they are not alone and that there is still hope.
Anwar with the Tree of Hope
For those newly admitted to the ward, these messages serve as a powerful reminder that recovery is possible.
Andre, a fellow inpatient, said:
Any tree that grows on this earth deserves to be blessed and gives life, and that tree gives us life - it gives people who come onto this ward life and it reminds me that it is never too late to change.
Andre with the Tree of Hope
Naesha hopes the Tree of Hope will leave a lasting impact on both patients and staff, standing as a testament to the progress service users make during their stay.
The process of creating the mural also brought unexpected benefits. Patients were able to participate at their own pace, adding a sense of flexibility and choice often missing in the structured environment of a hospital ward.
Naesha said:
It gave service users the opportunity to decide when they could join, rather than fitting into the healthcare professionals’ schedule.
Positive message on leaf
Reflecting on the project, Naesha urged other health professionals to think beyond their routine tasks and embrace co-production and empowerment.
She said:
Let’s do more than our job. By creating opportunities like this, we can truly transform the ward experience and inspire hope in the most challenging moments.
The Tree of Hope is more than a mural for the staff and service users at Rosa Parks ward - it is a symbol of resilience, a source of inspiration, and a powerful reminder that even in difficult times, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow.
The Tree of Hope
