The chief executive of Wirral Community NHS Foundation Trust writes for Globe.

WELL the Christmas countdown has finally begun here at St Catherine's Health Centre!

We were delighted to welcome the Mayor and Mayoress of Wirral last week, to turn on our Christmas lights and open our new art exhibition.

For the last five years we have invited pupils from a Wirral school to showcase their best artists.

This year pupils, aged 14 and 15, from Woodchurch High School have their work on display across all four floors of the health centre.

Everywhere you turn you are greeted by wonderful art work from local young artists!

During the private view the school band provided fantastic entertainment while students and their family and friends browsed the exhibition.

The work on display from Woodchurch High School features animal portraits and local architecture, with local artists inspiring pupils to create their masterpieces.

The health centre is a community asset, so we are delighted that the exhibition creates a bright and stimulating healthcare environment for patients, visitors and staff to enjoy.

Every year we get lovely feedback from people who say how much they enjoy seeing the health centre used in such a way.

Following the event the Assistant Head Teacher at Woodchurch High School, Jimmy Cartledge, said; "The pupils were buzzing with excitement the next day.

"It's marvelous to be able to give them the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents and support our young people, so they feel that sense of pride and achievement.

"We are extremely proud to have been chosen to feature in the exhibition this year."

The art exhibition is supported by Arts Society Wirral, which kindly funded the artwork frames.

We were delighted to once again partner with St Catherine’s Church this year, so that staff, pupils and parents could go straight from the exhibition to the community carol service with the Salvation Army brass band.

Reverend James Terry said: "St Catherine’s Church is always delighted to work closely with the health centre and the annual art exhibition and community carol concert has become one of our key annual events.

"It was wonderful to welcome so many pupils, parents and Community Trust staff to this years' service.

"We're already looking forward to next year's event." 

Thank you to all of the young artists from Woodchurch High School for getting involved in our annual exhibition.

If you are visiting the health centre, don't forget to view the exhibition.

You won't want to miss it.