Published on: 1 October 2026
Artists of all ages from across Derby and Derbyshire have been recognised in Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s art competition.
Entrants were invited to create work inspired by the theme ‘A ray of hope’ and explain how art supports their wellbeing and what hope means to them. The entries included work by children as young as five, as well as young people, adults and community groups.
All entries were anonymised before a judging panel met in September to select winners across four categories. Judges praised the creativity, personal meaning and wide range of techniques shown throughout the competition. You can read all about the entries in more depth on the Arts Competition 2026 page.
5 to 8-year-olds
- First prize: Saffron – A Wish of a Rainbow
- Second prize: Sophie – Bird of Hope
- Third prize: Emily – My Best Friends
9 to 17-year-olds
- First prize: Lizzy – collage
- Second prize: Erin – Erin’s Ray of Hope
- Third prize: Martha – The Wish
Adults aged 18 and over
- First prize: Clare Exley – Paroxysm
- Second prize: Sally – Small Steps
- Joint third prize: Karen Sangha – Ray of Hope
- Joint third prize: Alveera Zafar – painting of a ray of hope
Group work
- First prize: Sewa Ladies Group – Our Beacons in the Dark
- Second prize: Let’s Make It Craft Group – Our Ray of Hope
- Third prize: Patients at Cherry Tree House – Lend Each Other a Hand
Art, wellbeing and hope
The winning pieces explored hope through friendship, family, recovery, creativity and shared support. Saffron said art makes her feel “calm and relaxed”, while Lizzy described drawing as a calming activity where “there is no right answer in art”.
Group entries also demonstrated the value of creating together. The Let’s Make It Craft Group described its work as a reminder that, with support, kindness and understanding, “the clouds can lift, new friendships can grow, and hope can shine through”. Cherry Tree House participants created their piece collaboratively, passing the artwork between them and contributing for one minute each.
Judges described the first-prize group entry by the Sewa Ladies Group as a beautiful, joyful and intricately made creation. The group, which brings together South Asian elders to create, take part in activities and spend time with friends, used a lighthouse to represent the people and everyday moments that offer guidance, comfort and joy.
Thank you to everyone who entered and shared what hope means to them. The Trust hopes to display the winning artwork across its facilities so that more people can enjoy it.
