
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 buddiesMeet 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.
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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!
In the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, our Music for Wellness program is helping premature babies thrive. The gentle harp music played by certified healthcare musician, Ilona, has helped stabilise neonate heart rates, improve sleep, and support feeding so families can take their babies home sooner 🎶👩🍼
Professor Michael Stark, Head of Neonatal Services, shares that the Music for Wellness program has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents and staff and is making a big difference for the babies in their care. "In the short term, they seem to be more stable, but also longer term from a neurodevelopmental perspective, which is really important for us as we try to deliver family-centred care," he explains.
We`re honoured to share that 9 News Adelaide’ City to Bay team is running to raise funds for the Music for Wellness program, with Alice Monfries leading the `Run for a Reason` team. You can get involved and join the team here: https://bit.ly/run-for-a-reason-alice-monfries
With your help, we can keep this vital program going. Visit the link in the bio to donate today, and bring healing music to the tiniest patients and their families.
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Every day, far too many young people and families are affected by the devastating impact of suicide. It’s a heartbreaking reality, but no one has to face it alone.
Today on World Suicide Prevention Day, we’re reminded how important it is for young people and their carers to have access to safe, supportive information and guidance.
With the generosity of Cops for Kids, we`re supporting CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) to create new video resources that help families navigate moments of suicidal distress. These resources are designed to offer reassurance, practical tools, and a gentle reminder that support is within reach.
“It’s wonderful to have partners who understand the importance of being there at those critical moments,” shares Nita, Senior Suicide Prevention Practitioner, WCHN.
Together, we can bring hope and help families when they need it most 💛
Pictured L-R: Nita from CAMHS, Drew from Cops for Kids, and Sharon from CAMHS.
If you, or someone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 131 114 for crisis support, Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800, or visit eHeadspace or eKids Helpline.
@wchnetwork
#WCHFoundation #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #WSPD2025
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Ride, move, learn or create! 🚲 🧑🍳🎨
This October, take on a personal challenge and help support children and families cared for by the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
Whatever you choose, every step, pedal, brushstroke or habit kicked helps raise vital funds for families when they need it most.
Visit the link in the bio to sign up and be part of the Spring Challenge 🌻
#WCHFoundation #springchallenge25
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