Inspiring Engagements and Meaningful Connections
Creating supportive and therapeutic environments cannot be overstated in the ever-evolving field of Mental Health. The Design in Mental Health Exhibition and Conference (DIMH) provides industry professionals, experts, and stakeholders with a platform to share and explore innovative Mental Health design approaches.
Based on the conference focus and conversations we had at our stand, it was evident that this year's event strongly emphasised achieving a balance between physical and psychological safety within inpatient Mental Health environments, highlighting patient-centric solutions, and recognising the importance of product innovation and co-creation. Read this article to learn more about key highlights, standout moments, and interesting conversations we had at our stand during the event.
Balancing Mental Health Spaces: Physical and Psychological Safety
One of the central themes that resonated throughout the DIMH event was the delicate balance between providing a therapeutic atmosphere and ensuring physical safety for patients. Achieving this balance requires careful consideration of design elements, materials, and layouts. Experts from various fields engaged in conversations about the built environment and its impact on the psychological safety of individuals receiving care. By addressing concerns such as privacy, noise reduction, and access to nature, designers and healthcare professionals demonstrated their commitment to creating a safe and healing environment.
Heartening Moments with Therapeutic Design Elements
Among the heartwarming moments witnessed at the DIMH event were inspiring examples of therapeutic design elements, greatly impacting the service user’s recovery. One example of this is our "Bee - Draw on Me" chalkboard CAMHS’s door, which allows patients to express their creativity and emotions by drawing on its surface. This simple yet powerful concept enables individuals to engage in meaningful self-expression and serves as a reminder of the importance of personal agency and empowerment in Mental Health settings. Listen to what Nick Smith, an expert with firsthand experience, had to say about this door.
Another heartening example was the integration of design elements to address the needs of specific patient groups, such as older adults. The use of thoughtful design features, including a familiar door design and an easy-to-open free-swing mechanism, helped showcase our commitment to ensuring inclusivity and creating spaces that cater to the unique requirements of all individuals. Listen to what Eva Jakobsen, a Mental Health professional with 23 years of experience working in Mental Health units, thought about the older person's door.
‘Bedroom Evolved’ Collaboration for Patient-Centric Solutions
The launch of ‘Bedroom Evolved’ at this year’s event marked our remarkable collaboration with Darwin Group, Medical Architecture, Polar Windows, and Tough Furniture. Our visionary organisations joined forces to create a state-of-the-art patient bedroom, employing modular building methods that revolutionise Mental Health environments. A magnificent full-sized bedroom was proudly displayed at the Design in Mental Health event, providing an immersive experience for visitors to witness cutting-edge designs.
At the forefront of innovation, the Bedroom Evolved project incorporated the finest and most forward-thinking elements for Mental Health care. The remarkable outcome was even highly commended at this year’s Mental Health awards ceremony within the Concept Product Innovation of the Year category for its inclusion of the LifeLine Key. This key was developed by our engineers and operates the anti-barricade mechanism, windows, and storage systems within the bedroom. This integration exemplifies the dedication to patient safety, comfort, and simplification for staff use that drove the collaboration.
Co-Creating Change: Winning Product Innovation of the Year
A significant milestone for the event was the recognition of outstanding product innovation in Mental Health design. This year, the Product Innovation of the Year award went to our Anti-Ligature Handle - Suregrip. A solution that was co-created with input from Mental Health teams and patients themselves.
This accomplishment demonstrates the power of engaging end-users in the design process, ensuring solutions address their specific needs and preferences. The winning product represents a step forward in promoting psychological safety, co-creation and patient-centric care, marking a turning point in Mental Health design. Read the full design story of the Suregrip handle.
Inspiring Moments, Lasting Commitment
The DIMH Exhibition and Conference 2023 provided an inspiring platform for professionals, experts, and service users to come together and share their insights, experiences, and innovations in Mental Health design. The conversations and engagements during the event showcased a collective commitment to improving Mental Health environments and patient outcomes.
Reflecting on the conversations and connections made during the event, we are inspired to continue building upon these valuable interactions. The insights gained from the event will fuel our dedication to developing further product innovations and initiatives that prioritise the well-being of Mental Health patients.
We invite you to visit the dedicated event page, watch our video highlights, and join us in celebrating the progress made and the possibilities ahead.
