01626 884544
dpt.openup@nhs.net
About Franklyn Hospital
The sessions took place at Franklyn Hospital, located on the outskirts of Exeter. Franklyn Hospital provides specialist inpatient services for older people with mental health needs. This includes Belvedere Ward, which supports people living with dementia from across Devon, and Rougemont Ward, which offers assessment and treatment for adults aged 65 and over experiencing mental health difficulties.
Creative partnerships in practice
Delivered in partnership with the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, the sessions used museum objects as prompts for conversation, curiosity and calm. Participants were encouraged to explore textures, shapes and stories, creating space for gentle engagement away from clinical environments.
The impact of object handling
Object handling is a proven, inclusive approach that supports emotional regulation, confidence and social connection. By funding these sessions, we aimed to provide a positive and enriching experience that supports recovery while offering staff new tools to engage patients in meaningful, creative ways.
Sapphire Gill, Therapeutic Activities Worker at Franklyn Hospital, shared “The object handling sessions created a really calm and welcoming space. It was wonderful to see people open up, share memories and feel more connected; not just to the objects, but to each other. Having access to something so different made a genuine difference to everyone involved.”
Looking ahead
This project reflects Open Up’s ongoing commitment to enhancing day-to-day experiences for patients and staff, bringing innovation and creativity into mental health care across Devon and beyond.
Small projects like this can really help improve patient care and the everyday experience of people using services. If you’d like to support work like this, you can donate here.
