Chheng is a Peer Worker who works within the Royal North Shore Hospital Mental Health Inpatient Unit.
Chheng in an art therapy room
She has a lived experience of mental health issues and draws upon her own experiences to offer support to people during their stay. She works with individuals to understand their strengths and interests and focuses on their personal recovery goals.
“It is important to take an individualised approach in helping others to develop skills and strategies which support their own recovery and foster a sense of hope and optimism,” said Chheng.
Chheng is particularly passionate about the use of creative therapies such as art and music therapy.
Kelley Yates, Service Director for North Shore Ryde Mental Health Service said that, “Music and art therapy sessions provide people with opportunities to encourage self-expression, lift spirits, decrease boredom, and reduce feelings of isolation and agitation.”
Art therapy activities include mindful colouring, origami, and self-expression with paint, pastels and watercolours.
Music is a powerful tool which can be used to support feelings of wellbeing and bring on a sense of calm. This is important both during a hospital stay and to continue after someone has been discharged.
These activities also provide important opportunities for social interaction and connection. Patients appreciate the personalised approach to their care and often share how important it is to their recovery.
“Therapy makes people feel calmer, it improves their sense of wellbeing and it builds confidence, self-esteem and energy,” said Chheng.
Your donation to the NORTH Foundation tax appeal today can help support and grow important patient wellbeing initiatives like music and art therapy across our mental health units.
