New wall mural designed for Ryegate House

We’re delighted to share the new mural at our respite centre, Ryegate House!

Ryegate House provides short breaks for children and young people aged 0-19 with complex neurodisabilities, multiple and profound physical and learning disabilities and life-limiting conditions.

It is a fully accessible six bed respite unit, providing a safe and comfortable environment where children and young people can enjoy their stay.

The new mural is in the dining area and was commissioned by Artfelt – the arts programme at Sheffield Children’s which is funded by The Children’s Hospital Charity.

Staff at Sheffield Children’s can apply to the Artfelt team when they want support or funding to help brighten their ward and department areas, making clinical spaces more comfortable.

The staff at Ryegate House wanted to brighten up the dining area with a design that was calming yet fun for the children to interact with, livening up the space without making it too over-stimulating.

Artfelt commissioned illustrator Marijke Buurlage to design the beautiful garden-inspired wall mural. Eleanor Young was commissioned to design curtains which complement and extend the landscape from the mural design, providing a colourful backdrop to the room when they are closed.

Carly-Anne, Helena Specialist Nursing Team and Ryegate House Manager, said: “We were so excited to see the new artwork and curtains – the colours bring sunshine to our home away from home.

“They create a beautiful and exciting atmosphere which bring a smile to those that walk through the door. The mural provides entertainment for us – children, young people and staff members are fascinated with the different animals they find.”

As well as the dining/activity area, facilities at Ryegate House include the main lounge – with a large television and extensive toy cupboard – and a fully accessible sensory garden with a wheelchair swing and roundabout.

All bedrooms – two of which are singles, two are doubles – have a television, hoisting facilities and height adjustable multi-positional beds. There is a bathroom with an adjustable height bath, overhead hoist, accessible toilet, shower and changing table.

Nutritionally balanced meals are delivered to the unit three times a day after being prepared in the professional kitchen at the main hospital site. There is also a kitchen at the house for drinks and snacks.

Ryegate House welcomes referrals from families, nursing staff, social workers, medical staff or any other professional that works with children.

Find out more about coming to stay at Ryegate House and how to make a referral here: https://www.sheffieldchildrens.nhs.uk/services/ryegate-house/