Katy Mason

When the discussion of mental health is had, often the family members affected are the ones forgotten about and due to the lack of funding and support, they are left feeling just as isolated and distressed as the ill patient. The Mental Health Centres which said patients stay for much-needed treatment to get better are not the most welcoming and have a lack of visiting space, especially for young families. Visitors are often forced to meet in loud, busy, public environments which is unsafe and can add unnecessary stress. ‘I would rather be in Hawaii’ Is a collection which has been inspired by my own personal experience with visiting mental health centres across the North of England as a teenager where I’d often spend my time imagining I was on a warm tropical island instead of being surrounded by Icy White walls and boring beige Landscapes. The aim of this project is to create a positive and happy space to allow young families to visit their ill family members in a safe, relaxed environment. My primary research comes from my time spent living on the Island of Kauai, one of the Hawaiian Islands, where I have taken inspiration from the bright colours and interesting textures found across the Island.