The Kingfisher Bulletin - May 2025

Topping Out

Last month, AWP’s construction partner, Willmott Dixon, held the Topping Out ceremony for the new building. A topping out ceremony takes place when the highest point of the building is reached and means the structural completion of the new facility.

The topping out is an ancient ceremony that goes back to Saxon times, and is performed to ensure there are no evil spirits trapped in the building when the envelope is sealed, and that prosperity and good luck for the future will ensue. It’s a good moment for clients, design teams, contractors and the workforce to toast the success of the building.

Representatives from AWP, as well as people with lived experience who have been involved in the development of the project, along with individuals from our construction partner, Willmott Dixon; Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, who are lead commissioners for the building; as well as other partner firms, gathered to mark the moment.

Dominic Hardisty, AWP Chief Executive, said: “Reaching this stage is a landmark moment, and provides us with the opportunity to step back and consider what we've achieved so far. The hard work and dedication of many people has got us to this point, and while there's a long way to go, it's a good chance to take stock of all the work that has gone into the construction.

“The Kingfisher is a very distinctive bird that represents hope, healing, and vibrancy, and the image and symbolism of this unique creature aligns with our vision for a service which is creative, connected to the environment and which promotes independence."

In days past, a yew tree branch was placed on the uppermost part of the building. This originates from the roof gardens that were popular thousands of years ago in Persia and were the last point of the building to be constructed. The trees were essential for shade and so were regarded as a symbol that the building was complete and ready for occupation. Wine, oil, corn and salt were sprinkled on the roof once the tree was planted. The wine symbolised fertility and wisdom; the oil – liberty and prosperity; the corn – to ripen and grow prosperity into abundance; and the salt – purity and hospitality.

Top: A view of The Kingfisher’s roof.

Middle: The Willmott Dixon team show guests around the site.

Left: Wine, oil, corn, and salt ready to go on the roof; AWP CEO Dominic Hardisty welcomes people to The Kingfisher; a set of fox prints hardened in the concrete floor.

‘Nature and it’s connection with our wellbeing’ creative competition

We want your artwork and your creative writing!

To celebrate the opening next year of The Kingfisher, we’re launching a writing and art competition to promote and celebrate the new facility.

This summer, we’re asking local people across our area to get thinking about nature and how it’s connection can help with our wellbeing. Using the themes of 'hope, healing, and vibrancy’, we would like you to submit either a piece of writing of no more than 100 words, OR a photo, drawing or piece of art.

The competition is open to people of all ages and backgrounds. However, you must be from, or live in, the South west of England (Gloucestershire, Swindon, Wiltshire, South Gloucestershire, Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall). Entries must not be created using AI.

The winning works will be published to mark the opening of The Kingfisher next year and may be displayed in the new facility. The closing date for entries is midnight on 30 September 2025. Simply send your entries to: awp.contactus@nhs.net OR The Communications and Engagement Team, Bath NHS House, Newbridge Hill, Bath, BA1 3QE. Judges decision will be final, and judges will be announced this summer.

For the full terms and conditions, please visit: www.awp.nhs.uk/demo/kingfisher-creative-competition-rules

Hospital Rooms funding update

The Hospital Rooms project is now in full swing, with the workshop phase well underway. As part of the development of new, site-specific artworks for the Trust, leading contemporary artists have been delivering creative sessions with service users and staff across a number of units.

In recent weeks, workshops have taken place at Fromeside at Blackberry Hill in Bristol, Juniper Ward in Weston-Super-Mare, with the BASS group and with members of the LD Forensic Forum. Artist Boo Saville led drawing sessions focused on collaborative gradient techniques, while Victoria Cantons delivered vibrant workshops exploring abstract mark making through painting.

Looking ahead to June and July, groups will take part in special visits to Arnolfini Gallery in Bristol and continue the project’s focus on nature-based practice with hands-on sessions at Grow Wilder, a local growing hub and conservation site.

These workshops are an integral part of Hospital Rooms’ mission to co-create meaningful, transformative artworks for NHS mental health settings, ensuring service users are not only part of the conversation but at the heart of the process.

Above: Artwork from the recent workshops.

Opportunity coming soon: Band 7 Clinical Ward Manager

Are you ready to lead with heart and make a real difference?

We’re looking for an inspiring Clinical Ward Manager to champion high quality, person-centred care for individuals with learning disabilities and autism.

In this key leadership role, you’ll work alongside our Matron guiding teams, shaping effective care, and ensuring safety, dignity, and respect are at the heart of everything we do. This is more than a job, it’s a chance to lead, support, and innovate in a space where your impact truly matters.

Ready to take the lead? Keep an eye on our careers section here.

Watch the video here.

Meet the team

We’re thrilled to welcome Dr Cathy Randle-Phillips as the Consultant Clinical Psychologist for The Kingfisher Inpatient and Outreach service.

Cathy said: “I’m delighted to be joining The Kingfisher Service. Throughout my clinical career I’ve had the privilege of working locally with people with learning disabilities and autistic people. I also hold a part-time academic role, which allows me to pursue my passions for inclusive research and teaching. I’m excited to bring these experiences into my new role and to collaborate with service users, carers, and colleagues in shaping meaningful, person-centred care.”

Find out more about joining The Kingfisher team here.

Who are we looking for to join The Kingfisher team?

Hear from Oriana Morrison-Clarke, Clinical Programme Project Lead, as she shares the qualities we’re seeking in our future team.

Watch the video here.