PATIENTS on a mental health unit will be able to spend more quality time with their children, thanks to the opening of a dedicated family room.

The room, in Glan Clwyd Hospital’s Ablett Unit, has undergone a refurbishment. It is now brighter and more welcoming for the children of patients who suffer from a range of mental health problems.

The revamp came about after support from North Wales mental health development agency Unllais, who worked with third year Fine Art students at Glyndwr University to create colourful artwork.

Patients were also given an opportunity to put their creativity to good use by producing a number of wall art murals.

Liz Jones, one of the Ablett Unit patients who helped produce the art work, said: "It’s a completely different room now and it’s going to put so many smiles on so many faces. It’s really bright and eye catching and there’s also an educational element, which is important."

Another current patient, only known as Tony, added he was looking forward to spending time with his five year old daughter in the new room.

"To have somewhere like this which is a safe and welcoming environment is so important," he said.

"Being able to have regular contact with my daughter gives me something to keep going for. Sometimes having the fight to live can be pretty drastic, but when I see her so happy it gives me a reason to live."

Tracey Norcross, matron of the Ablett Unit, said: "Whenever people are in hospital, it’s really important for them to have that contact with their kids. This is especially true with new mums who need to be with their child for most of the day.

"As children get a bit older it’s absolutely essential that they know where Mum or Dad are, and they can come and visit them and they feel safe to do that."