Youth Hub
An Art + Design scheme created with young people at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital
In 2022, Lime commissioned internationally acclaimed and award-winning Illustrator Chiara Vercesi to develop a bespoke art and design scheme for the Youth Hub at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. This unique purpose-built space provides a designated area for hospitalised young people aged 11-25 to meet, socialise and enjoy a variety of recreational activities in a non-clinical, calm and welcoming environment.
Through a series of artist led consultations with children and young people, the specialised youth service and healthcare staff, the arts team were able to understand the needs of both staff and patients and highlight where improvements to the space could be made. Lead Artist Chiara Vercesi engaged staff and service users throughout the project using a variety of creative activities to gather ideas, thoughts and feedback which informed her artwork and approach to re-designing the space.
Service users embark on a visual journey as they enter and use the space. Five areas within the space incorporate themes of imaginary environments within the natural world, each with its own distinct style and colour palette. Chiara also worked alongside young people to develop ideas and symbols that represented their unique personalities, which she also incorporated into the final designs. Careful consideration was given throughout the project to ensure designs were inclusive for people with additional needs, including neurodiverse patients.
The result is a bold and inspiring art and design scheme that supports staff providing vital services, as well as a safe, welcoming and reassuring creative space for young people, their families and carers.
‘Working with Lime Arts, has been a really positive experience, they are as passionate about the space being fit for purpose and the young people’s voice being at the centre of every step of the process as we are at the MFT Youth Service. Young people now use this space every day, we run Youth club sessions for inpatients, we have an outpatients youth club and are starting to deliver projects and programmes with external organisations. Young people come and use the space to relax and get away from the stress of being in hospital. They feel relaxed, calm and that they have ownership, it is their space.’ Senior Youth Worker, MFT Youth Service
‘I think the artwork and colours are fantastic and are such a breath of fresh air. It makes the room feel fun and cheerful!’ RMCH Inpatient