Mental health patients give back to charity

People with mental health problems in Huddersfield have been creating Christmas novelty decorations to sell in their local Mind shop.

Intensive craft workshops have been enabling the mental health patients to produce the reindeer Christmas tree decorations for the charity.

The project involves crafting the products themselves, selling the goods and finding and buying materials to use.

Occupational therapist Sharon Greenwood said: "The use of creativity in healthcare environments has long been recognised; increasing self-esteem, developing social skills, helping community integration and improving an individual's quality of life."

The project came about after service uses at Enfield Down, a rehabilitation unit for people with mental health problems, asked if they could take part in some voluntary work.

Meanwhile, scientists have isolated proteins in the brain that could lead to the development of pioneering treatment for around 130 brain conditions, according to a study published in the journal Nature Neuroscience.

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