Arts in Health
Through our Arts in Health program we use art, play, music and literature to encourage curiosity and creativity to reduce the stress and anxiety of being in hospital. Providing moments of calm in a busy health environment, we use creative approaches to healthcare and wellbeing.
Public Art
Our Arts in Health program activates and brightens areas of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital through public artworks and art installations to improve the health and wellbeing of the hospital community.
See public art
Play Therapy
Working closely with patients and their families, Play Therapists provide distraction to minimise anxiety and fear, help keep patients safe, prepare and support patients for procedures, provide emotional support and create positive fun and meaningful experiences.
See play therapy
Gallery & Exhibition Program
Our Arts in Health program activates coordinates a changing visual art exhibition program across five galleries located in the Women’s & Children’s Hospital. The Heart Galleries bring visual arts to the Hospital community to provide a space away from the stresses of treatment to distract, entertain and inspire, improving the Hospital environment.
See gallery & exhibition program
Book Buddies
The Book Buddies program makes a child’s hospital experience more enjoyable and encourages reading to improve literacy skills. Qualified Book Readers visit the wards, engaging children with the many adventures that can be had through reading books.
See book buddiesArts in Health Stories
Meet your Arts in Health team
At the heart of our Arts in Health Program is a dedicated team passionate about enriching the lives of women, children, and families through creative expression.
Connect with us
Join us in the power of connection.
Stay updated on our latest initiatives, explore exciting partnership opportunities, and celebrate incredible stories of impact. Together, we can create lasting change – follow us and become part of our community!
When you’re a young person with a complex, long-term chronic health condition, moving from children’s services to adult services can be an emotional and overwhelming transition. For some, the Women`s and Children`s Hospital has been a constant support throughout their lives, making the change even harder.
The WCHN Adolescent Transition Service supports young people and their families to feel understood, respected and supported throughout this challenging time in their healthcare journey.
The Transition Service has found that stepping away from the wards to have a dedicated conversation, over a simple coffee or hot chocolate can make all the difference. These moments help build trust, demonstrate respect care and encourage a smoother transfer to adult care.
Thanks to our donors, we help provide drink vouchers that create these small but meaningful moments of connection.
You can also help young people feel supported during this critical transition. To donate, visit the link in bio.
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Have you visited the `All Our Animals` exhibition?
This series of paintings celebrates the special bonds we share with our small pets who provide companionship, comfort, joy, and often quietly support our healing.
Through intimate portraits of each animal, from guinea pigs to more familiar pets, artist Zoe Freney draws attention to the deep emotional connections we form and the important role animals play in our lives. Some of the animals featured belong to the artist and her family, while others are cherished companions of hospital staff.
Zoe`s practice explores the experiences of mothering, care, and the relationships that shape our everyday lives.
Experience this heartfelt and engaging exhibition at the Pink Gallery at the WCH, located outside the Lecture Theatre on Level 1.
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For Doris Henderson, supporting the Women’s and Children’s Hospital is a lifelong commitment. More than 50 years ago, she began her journey as a nurse trainee, an experience that stayed with her long after leaving the wards.
Today, Doris continues that support by choosing to leave a gift in her Will to the WCH Foundation, helping ensure future generations of women, children and families receive the best possible healthcare and support.
As the new year begins, Doris’ story is a reminder that the choices we make today can shape the future. Visit the link in bio to read more on our website.
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