Making Space volunteer-created artwork celebrates the vital role of carers at The Royal Bolton Hospital

Published 26 March 2025

A striking new piece of artwork has been unveiled in the newly renovated carer’s room at The Rivington Unit, a mental health service, at the Royal Bolton Hospital, celebrating the vital role of carers and volunteers in the community.

Created by talented one of the volunteer Ian Peters from our Bolton Carers Service, the bespoke piece symbolises the deep connection between carers and their essential role within the unit, which is run by Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH).

The unveiling event welcomed Ian and his family, alongside senior hospital managers, representatives from Making Space, and members of Bolton Carers Service. Guests gathered to celebrate the artwork and its significance in honouring carers. The carer’s room, a vital resource offering support while loved ones receive treatment, will now feature Ian’s painting as a lasting legacy, symbolising unity, support, and the strength found in working together.

GMMH Head of Operations, Bolton Division, Simon Johns, said:

“Carers are the unsung heroes of mental health, providing the patience, understanding, and support that makes recovery possible. Without them, the whole system would fall down. With them, we can work together, each of us being a vital cog in the machine. This is ably captured in this wonderful piece of art.”

The idea for the artwork stemmed from a call from Making Space’s Carer Support Workers, who invited carers to contribute pieces for the newly renovated space. While several carers generously donated their work, Ian offered to create a bespoke piece specifically to honour carers and their role within The Rivington Unit. Drawing inspiration from the collaboration between carers, NHS teams, Greater Manchester Mental Health, and Making Space, he designed a piece that highlights the importance of teamwork and the impact of even the smallest acts of care.

Ian said:

"This artwork represents the vital role that carers and volunteers play in supporting people, both within The Rivington Unit and the wider community. I wanted to capture how carers, the NHS teams, Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH), and Making Space must work together, like the intricate parts of a clock, to provide the support carers need. Without that teamwork, everything could fall apart, just like a broken clock.

“The clock and the world in the piece symbolise how even a few minutes of a carer’s time can mean the world to someone in need. I hope this piece encourages people to learn more about the invaluable work of carers and find ways to support their local community."

Making Space has provided dedicated carer support at The Rivington Unit for more than a decade. Commissioned by Bolton Council, the service supports carers of loved ones under GMMH. The carer’s room offers emotional support, signposting, and weekly drop-in sessions for those in crisis. Making Space also runs carer groups and events, including welfare rights sessions and creative workshops.

Care Workers Saf and Sam from Making Space added:

"The carer’s room is a vital part of the support we provide at the hospital. We are incredibly proud of Ian, his artwork beautifully captures the importance of carers and the strength of community support. We hope it inspires others to reach out, whether to seek help or to find ways to support carers in their local community through Making Space or GMMH."

Ian’s painting serves as a lasting legacy, symbolising unity and support while inspiring carers to recognise their invaluable role and the strength that comes from collaboration. Now proudly displayed in the carers room, the artwork stands as both a tribute to carers and an invitation for others to engage in supporting them.