CELEBRATIONS are in order as a pottery and arts expert marks 40 years of delivering therapy sessions at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (BSMHFT).
Over the years Graham Taylor has worked across a number of areas including older adult inpatient units, complex care units and addiction services as an occupational therapy and art and pottery technical instructor.
Graham’s pottery sessions give those whose life has been affected by adverse experiences, illness or disability, by supporting their social, emotional and mental health needs a chance to take part in sculpting, painting or working with clay.
After graduating in 1982 with a BA (Hons) Degree in Ceramics at Wolverhampton Polytechnic, Graham began his working life at 21 years-old with a desire to use his creativity and skills to help and support others.
He said: “I have done lots of pottery projects throughout the years. Using moulds has always helped the service users make something that they can be proud of and help build up their self-esteem.”
He has facilitated painting sessions, created large wall murals to brighten up rooms and has even acted in several shows to entertain inpatients, from playing ‘Baron Hard Up’ in Cinderella, to the Cowardly Lion in Wizard of Oz.
The Trust say Graham has played a huge part in improving a service user’s experience whilst in mental health care.
Reflecting on their experience, one service user at the Saffron Suite in Moseley – an adult male inpatient service said: “I wanted to express my gratitude to Graham for the pottery classes that he runs.
“I also wanted to highlight how it has helped in my rehabilitation.
“I have really enjoyed these classes and it has helped me get through the most difficult period in my life.”
Jane Clark, the associate director for allied health professions and recovery at BSMHFT, said: “It is hard to imagine the number of pottery sessions Graham has delivered over 40 years and the enormous benefit that this has brought to so many service users.
“Graham is immensely passionate, and we have been so privileged to have him as part of the Occupational Therapy service.
“Many congratulations on reaching such an incredible milestone, thank you for all you have done and for sharing your skills to support the recovery of others.”
