After nearly seven years of fundraising, a new music therapy facility has opened at an Oxford psychiatric hospital in memory of an Oxfordshire woman.
Lucy's Room opened at Warneford Hospital on Saturday, October 5.
Family and friends of Lucy Sessions, from Bicester, have spent nearly seven years fundraising to open the facility in memory of Ms Sessions, who died by suicide in 2017.
Ms Sessions was 22 when she took her own life while a patient at Warneford Hospital, a psychiatric hospital in Headington.
Ms Sessions had been receiving mental health support since the age of 17 - when she first became a patient at the Highfield Unit, a mental health centre for young people aged 11 to 18.
During her stay at Highfield, she discovered a love of music.
She had already taught herself the guitar, but in the unit's studios she learnt to play the drums and practised singing.
However, there were no studios like this at the Warneford, so Lucy's family wanted to create the space she had been missing for other patients to benefit from in the future.
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They raised over £70,000 for a new unit at the hospital, and with the sun shining on Saturday, Trust chair David Walker and Lucy’s mum Lesley officially opened the new space surrounded by Lucy’s loved ones and those involved in the project.
"It was quite an emotional day," Lesley Gordon said.
"The room was beautiful. It is just like Lucy. She would have been really really proud.
"I think it's going to have an amazing impact."
"Your generosity is really appreciated to help us bring Lucy’s idea to life.
"We are overwhelmed with the outcome – Lucy’s Room is a beautiful space which we hope will have a positive impact on patients and be somewhere they can feel safe and creative.”
Mr Walker said: “We look forward to this fantastic space being used, it will provide vital support for our patients’ recovery.
"This room celebrates the joys of music therapy – drums, keyboards, percussion and guitars will all be a part of the wonderful music making in here.”
Head of Oxford Health Charity, Julie Pink, added: “We are delighted to open Lucy’s Room, surrounded by those who the project means so much to.
"We hope this room inspires a love for music and offers an additional space to patients and staff to smile, feel safe and at ease.
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"Oxford Health Charity know the value arts can provide to a positive mental health – this room will make a huge difference, and we are excited to see the Lucy’s Room appeal develop over the coming years.”
The appeal for Lucy’s Room will remain open to fund instruments, equipment and additional artist led activities.
Those who wish to donate can do so here: https://www.oxfordhealth.charity/appeal/lucys-room
The Samaritans helpline is free to call 24 hours a day on 116 123.
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