Check in @ 28.5m graffiti wall #KCH

It is time to check in at the ground floor of Day Recovery Centre at Kwai Chung Hospital! Destigmatising psychiatric patients in a less conventional manner, over 100 persons-in-recovery, inpatients, carers, healthcare workers, hospital volunteers, peer support workers, college students and teachers painted an aesthetic graffiti art wall 28.5m long, 1.2m high, promoting an inclusive society.

It took six months for preparation including recruitment of participants, design of sketch and provision of art instruction. “Graffiti is often tagged with a bad reputation, as psychiatric patients are misunderstood to be violent and problematic to society. We hope to remove the stigma through this activity,” says the event coordinator cum Advanced Practice Nurse (Psychiatric) Leung Siu‑kei.

The Centre’s integrated day recovery service provides personalised and comprehensive service in multi‑disciplinary approach to person-in-recovery (PIR) of varying needs underpinned by recovery model. The centre develops a five-step approach for PIR’s recovery journey in which goes through comprehensive assessment, understanding of recovery journey, selection of recovery programmes, review of plans and graduation. PIR can unleash their strengths, set personal goals and recovery plans with the support of peer workers and caregivers so as to regain a meaningful life.

Ms Leung, person-in-recovery (centre) and mother (left)

Mrs Leung says, “Usually, we have divergent views which affect our relationship. Unexpectedly, we cooperated well and tolerated with each other when we were painting graffiti! In the exercise, I experienced a world filled with colours with different people standing shoulder to shoulder. I am grateful to the hospital for organising this great event.”

Mr Kwok, person-in-recovery (right) and daughter

Mr Kwok says, “This activity reminds me of love and care. I was deeply moved by my daughter – she wiped my sweating face when I was squatting down to paint for a long time.” His daughter adds, apart from medication, recovery activities are also crucial to mentally-ill patients. She was delighted to see her father sparkling with smiles on his face.