A woman receiving support at a mental health hospital in Woking has won a national competition for her artwork.

Jess, who is supported on Acorn Ward at Cygnet Hospital Woking, took joint first place in an art competition organised by the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych).

Acorn Ward is a psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU) service for women with mental health needs.

The national competition invited patients and carers from forensic, PICU and prison mental health services to demonstrate their creativity and artistic talent, with winning entries set to feature in future RCPsych publications.

Jess took joint first place in the Quality Network for Psychiatric Intensive Care Units (QNPICU) category for her entry, titled Abstract Man.

Jess reflected on her success: “I felt proud when it happened. Art is a hobby and a coping skill. Painting while on a PICU helps me recover as it is a good distraction.

“It is also a business for me as I have sold some of my paintings and copies. I will always continue to make art in my life.”

Abstract Man was created using acrylic paint and was inspired by the fashion magazine Vogue.

Courtney Greene, head of occupational therapy at Cygnet Hospital Woking, praised Jess for her achievement.

She said: “We are incredibly proud of Jess for winning the QNPICU competition.

“Art has been a meaningful occupation for her during her time with us at Cygnet Hospital Woking, providing a valuable outlet for creativity, self-expression, and wellbeing. This achievement is a wonderful recognition of her talent, dedication, and hard work.

“We know that art is also a vocational pathway that Jess hopes to continue pursuing in the future, and we are delighted to see her succeed. Congratulations, Jess, on this well-deserved accomplishment from all of us at Cygnet Health Care.”