Hope On Prescription's Creative Trolley brought moments of creativity, connection and hope to the outpatient wards of Darent Valley Hospital. Roaming through multiple units, the interactive installation offered poems, writing prompts and reflective conversations, inviting patients to pause, express themselves and feel supported.
Around 50 patients took part, contributing reflections on hope that were transformed into a crowdsourced poetry collection. These poems were later shared on hospital radio and will soon appear as a permanent installation within the hospital.
The impact was significant:
Patients described the experience as uplifting and grounding. As one participant shared: “Lovely way to put pen to paper and let things out you never knew were inside.” – Shamma, Walnut Ward
This project helped humanise the clinical environment, offering meaningful creative engagement and an unexpected source of comfort during challenging times. If you would like to find out more and get involved please email: info@hopeonprescription.co.uk
Right from the start
You did capture my heart
The first stroke of my master piece art
No need to act coy
You are my bundle of joy
To hold you in my arms
I knew deep down my tharm
I wouldnt allow any fright of harm
To befall you my baby boy
My perfect bundle of Joy
The sound of your cries
Does bring tears to my eyes
I would fight any being, on land or the skies
To see you smile, worth every measure of thing
A promise I make to you
my bundle of joy
Dennis and KoKo
My angel Zidane you came into the world wrapped up and curled
Mummy and daddy waiting for the first glimpse your perfect face your perfect body
We knew it would be ok
Your infectious smile that melts my heart
The feeling I feel inside is nothing on any chart
So my prince spread your infectious smile and every now and again think for a while
It will be ok
My loving family will protect my smile and show the world it was all worthwhile.
Patient - Walnut Ward
Hope never deserts you
Hope is your heartbeat
Hope courses through you if you
let it
Hope brings greatness peace and love
Hope keeps us all alive
Hope belongs to everybody
Hope never lets you down
Mrs P. - Pine Therapy Ward
I remember my last walk into the forest, near Chicago
A hot day but cool among the trees
Wind rustles the leaves above
Not many leaves on lower trunks
Forest floor quite bare as no sun reaches the ground
Not many birds in there, mostly on the forest edge
Could see small burrows in the soil, wondered whose home it was
So quite, peaceful, calming, took deep breathes,
Taking in the smells, leaves, looked for a fallen tree
To sit and just take it all in
Saw some deer in the distance
White tailes bobbing as they ran
This walk was a tonic to my busy life.
Lily - Pine Therapy Ward
My friend
My Saviour
Who loves me deeply
Thank you for giving your life for me
Thank you for you mum - Mary
Although knowing about you, Mary,
From my Mum,
You have meant more to me
Since living on my own
Jesus, you lift me up, when I am down
You answer my prayers, from the smallest thing
In spite of my anxieties
You are always there
I love you with all my heart.
Josephine - Empress Unit
In Response to Guest House Poem - Rumi
Treat each guest honorably
Be Patient and Understanding
Meet them at the door laughing
Laughing is contagious
When they leave, they leave with a smile
And so do you.
Alison
“A lovely surprise, a real feel good time, especially for people in difficult times”
Wendy
"It makes us inspire to be good parents to our children”
Dennis and Koko
“Lovely way to put pen to paper and let things out you never knew were inside”
Shamma
“Writing down my memory was relaxing and beneficial to myself” -
Lily
“This was a lovely exercise to focus on positivity and to have hope that even if things maybe difficult, maintain hope”
Monica
“Provided a refreshing distraction and reminded us of all the positive aspects”
Ravir