A new book is being planned which is intended to help people staying in inpatient mental health facilities through times of crisis.

Artist Nicky Hirst is asking people to submit photographs and stories of objects that are significant to their owners for inclusion in the book which will be launched at the opening of the new inpatient facility at Kingsley Green near Radlett next summer.

She is looking for objects that are special to their owners and evoke memories of a certain time in their lives, like a piece of jewellery or a childhood toy.

Nicky, who has produced artwork for other hospitals including the Royal Free in London, explained: “I want the book to convey a sense of familiarity and stability to people who may be going through a difficult time and I hope the book will give them a sense of calm and evoke their own memories.”

She would like people to send a photo of their item, together with a description of no more than 100 words explaining why it is special to them and contact details, to studio@nickyhirst.co.uk by Friday, November 29.