‘A place of healing’: New sculpture focuses on mental health in Northampton
Art installation aims to inspire hope and recovery in the community
A new art installation designed to encourage people to pause, reflect and focus on their mental wellbeing is now open to the public in Abington Park, Northampton.
The Hands of Healing sculpture, created by local artist Bob Keal, has been installed in the grounds of St Peter and St Paul Church. Standing seven feet tall and made from living willow intertwined with broken chains, the artwork is intended to symbolise freedom, growth and recovery for people navigating mental health challenges.
The project is a collaboration between Action for Happiness Northamptonshire and the church, continuing its tradition of hosting wellbeing‑themed artworks in its churchyard.
Dr David Smart, a former GP and member of Action for Happiness Northamptonshire, said the installation was created as “a space people can come to simply be”.
Visitors are invited to follow a wellbeing trail around the lawn, with each stop representing one of the “10 Keys to Happier Living”, an Action for Happiness framework that highlights everyday actions that can support mental wellbeing.
“The church has a history of artwork in the churchyard, and we wanted something that allowed people to pause and reflect,” he said. “It’s a place people can come, walk the trail, and just learn, reflect or take time for themselves.” Smart added.
Dr Smart said the trail encourages people to slow down amid the pace of modern life.
“We’re so busy in this current world. How can we just stop and notice the things that might help us feel a little happier?” he said. “We all want to be happy, and for those around us to be happy, and sometimes it’s about the smallest actions that make the difference.”
Interactive message keys
The installation invites visitors to take part by writing a personal message, name or symbol of hope on a wooden key and tying it to the sculpture.
Dr Smart said this reflective act is a simple way for people to think about their next step forward.
“It’s about giving people a moment to think: ‘What can I do for myself? What can I do in my community?'” he said. “I’ve felt stuck in my own life too and the act of pausing and writing something down can help people take action.”
Symbolism and Northampton’s heritage
The broken chains within the sculpture represent the sense of being stuck that often comes with mental ill‑health.
“Mental disorder can hold us back – from relationships, from work, sometimes just from getting out of the house,” Dr Smart said. “The chains represent those things that keep us stuck and the hope that they can be broken.”
The piece also nods to the legacy of Dr Thomas Prichard, a pioneering figure in mental health care who is buried in the churchyard. Prichard is known for replacing physical restraints with fresh air, nature and more compassionate approaches in the 1800s.
“Prichard was one of the first to take off the chains and give people freedom,” Dr Smart said. “Honouring that history felt really important.”
Visitors can also leave written prayer cards in a small letterbox for the church to read if they choose.
Dr Smart said the wider aim is to build a kinder, more connected community.
“There are difficulties around us, but there are also amazing things happening in Northamptonshire,” he said. “This gives us a space to celebrate those good things and to be there for each other.”