October 15 2025
St Luke's Mental Health Week art exhibition
The Day Therapy Mental Health Unit at Calvary St Luke’s Hospital marked World Mental Health Day and Mental Health Week in Tasmania with an art exhibition by Calvary patients for the local community to experience.
Held from 1 – 15 October, the Calvary St Luke’s Mental Health Clinic exhibition was an invitation for all the community to reflect, connect, and celebrate the small moments that bring joy and purpose, especially in the context of mental health.
The 2025 theme for Mental Health Week in Tasmania was ‘Appreciate the Little Things’. Calvary St Luke’s Mental Health Day Therapy Unit Facilitator, Rebecca Reid, said the goal behind the exhibition was to promote the unit’s services available to all of the community, specifically services that don’t require inpatient care.
“Many in the community may not be aware that different programs are offered for a range of mental health issues,” said Ms Reid. “You don’t have to be at a crisis point to need a re-set.
“They may believe help is only available at crisis points or through long-term therapy. Others might fear stigma or not recognise their need for structured support - especially in rural or regional areas where mental health discussions can still feel taboo.
“We are all familiar with the stereotypes of mental health issues, particularly inpatient care, but don’t always think of the other available therapies that could support ourselves,” she said.
A safe and welcoming space, the Day Therapy Unit offers structured, short-term mental health support for individuals who benefit from skills to build recovery by dedicating one day a week for an 8-week block.
Rather than focusing solely on “counselling”, the unit uses an evidence-informed Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) approach that helps individuals manage their mental health and build personal resilience.
According to Rebecca, the unit utilises recovery-oriented therapy that focuses on empowering individuals to take an active role in their wellbeing.
“The Day Therapy Program offers an anxiety and a depression program designed to provide practical tools that support healthier thinking patterns, mood management and emotional resilience,” said Rebecca.
“Therapy could be offered through either group therapy, psychoeducation as well as mindfulness and meditation exercises. “We want to support people with practical coping strategies and life skills while finding purpose and meaning in life again.”
This approach promotes dignity, self-determination, and meaningful participation - supporting each person’s unique recovery journey. The unit was excited to present the exhibition and proud to open up its heart and walls to the creativity of patients and staff.
Rebecca said creative expression is more than just producing art. “It is a powerful way to process emotions, reduce stress, and build a sense of purpose and identity,” she said.
“Whether through painting, writing, or sculpture, creativity positively impacts mental health by offering new ways to explore feelings, improve mood, and foster connection with others.
“The unit is a respectful space designed to support real people in real life. It is not just a clinical setting, but a place of healing and growth and the exhibition is an expression of this.”
Are you or a loved one Tasmania-based and seeking mental health support? Our Day Therapy Program supports the Launceston community with expert mental health care. Find out more here.
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