Designs in Mind
Though Shropshire studio Designs in Mind began life as a day centre service within the NHS, today it stands firmly on its own two feet. Based in Oswestry, it produces artworks, homeware and gifts made by those experiencing mental health challenges. A commercial recalibration led to the opening of shop Jolt in the town centre two years ago, although the store is soon to be separated from the Designs in Mind brand to strengthen its commitment to stocking fare from other social enterprises.
Members, who tend to be referred by GPs and community teams, attend a new referrals session, before signing up to a 10-week programme that prepares them for production duties. ‘A lot of people have never done any kind of artwork since school,’ says design lead Elin Humphreys. ‘We start with drawing techniques like “continual line”, which help them make the first mark.’ Sessions are fluid and flexible, and on any one day might involve up to 20 simultaneous projects, such as crafting pinch pots for e-tailer Aerende, which sells design-led products by those facing social challenges.
The studio’s keenest success stories return torunthenewreferralssessions,saysHumphreys proudly, noting that some members hadn’t been able to open their curtains before coming to Designs in Mind. Next for the platform is a series of projects with Brit designer Theo Williams – who has previously helmed design teams at Habitat and John Lewis Home – and plans to connect with retailers to bring a powerful voice behind the vision. designsinmind.co.uk