Medics have told how they are tackling the stigma of being hospitalised during mental health crises.
Over the past 70 years the old asylums in Glasgow have been closed - but doctors say the fear of being hospitalised remains.
But at Glasgow’s Leverndale Hospital, teams have been working hard to transform what people can expect when they need the most support.
Jennifer Wyld, senior patient activity coordinator nurse at the hospital, said: "You’re not going to stay here forever, that’s not the business we’re in."
On average, she says, most people stay in hospital for less than one month.
She added: “If you’re being admitted to any mental health hospital, it must be terrifying.
"If you are being admitted, you are probably quite unwell and experiencing symptoms that are very confusing and distressing."
Jennifer said staff use "calmness and compassion" to help people understand they are in a place of safety.
She added: "I can make a promise to people that they will get better and they will go home.”
As well as providing specialist care, there are activities ranging from psychological therapies to football groups, art therapy sessions and welfare rights sessions.
The 1970s wards and surrounding areas have been transformed to provide colour and life.
Jennifer added: “Gone are the days where you just rely on medication and people are sent to an institution where they just languish.
“What we hear from patients is them saying, ‘oh I never expected it be like this, it’s so normal'.
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"It’s about making a difference and it can be the smallest things. Sometimes it’s just about offering a cup of tea and taking two minutes to go for a walk that helps someone feel better.
“I’ve got the best job in the hospital, I help people to flourish.”
Occupational therapy mental health advisor Samantha Flower has led on improving the greenspace around the hospital.
Working with an artist, she involved the service users, carers and staff to design and create works woven into spaces around the hospital.
Service users’ designs are even included in the mosaic tiles installed on site.
Samantha said: “I’ve worked with people who have significant mental health issues, but are really fantastic artists, or horticulture therapists, creative writers and photographers who have gone on to make a living out of this.
“It’s about maximising potential. It doesn’t matter if you have mental health diagnosis you can still lead a fulfilling life.
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"Just because you’ve been hospitalised doesn’t mean you can’t get better and thrive.”
The outdoor space has been transformed into a blooming landscape, where the hospital community and nature can thrive, with art including a service user-inspired mural.
“You can do one little thing and it lights people’s imaginations,” added Samantha.
“This is a hospital, a place of safety. There is life here, creativity and joy.”
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