The winning design, named 'Blue', was created by Teja, a Level 3 Art and Design student at The Sandwell Colleges. The mascot was officially revealed yesterday at Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, marking its debut as the new character for the Your City & Metropolitan Hospitals charity.
This official charity supports patients, families, and staff across the Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust's hospital sites and community services. The competition aimed to find a friendly and recognisable character to represent the charity at fundraising events, campaigns, and community activities.
The project provided creative learners with a real-world brief, challenging them to design a mascot that was warm, inclusive, instantly recognisable, and practical for manufacturing into a wearable costume. Students submitted hand-drawn or digital designs with written explanations of their concepts.
Teja worked with a professional costume maker over the summer, seeing her drawing transformed into a full-sized character. This experience encouraged students to consider the practical application of their designs.
“"It has been really special to use my skills and something I love, design, to give something back to a charity that supports people in my own community. Knowing the mascot will be seen by patients, families and NHS staff, and might make somebody smile or encourage them to support the charity, makes me incredibly proud and I’m very grateful to have been given this opportunity. I hope it becomes a character that people across Sandwell and Birmingham really take to their hearts."
Lisa Capper MBE, Principal and CEO of The Sandwell Colleges, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “This is a real brief for a real organisation. Our powerful partnership with Your City & Metropolitan Hospital’s Charity Trust and the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital which now includes the Learning Campus provides some fabulous opportunities for our learners.”
Michelle King, Head of Creative Arts at Sandwell College, emphasised the design challenge: “Students were required to think about how their design would work not just on paper, but as a life-sized costume worn by a person. Creativity was encouraged while keeping people, safety and inclusivity at the heart of every design.” She added that for Teja, seeing 'Blue' unveiled marks the culmination of a creative journey.
Jemma Martin, Senior Fundraiser for Your City & Metropolitan Hospitals Charity, explained the choice of partner: “From the very beginning, we wanted our mascot to feel like a true reflection of the community we serve, so approaching Sandwell College felt like the perfect fit. We were incredibly excited to give a local student the opportunity to bring our ideas to life and showcase their creativity and talent.” She expressed pride in Teja's creation, noting, “We’re so proud of the finished mascot and can’t wait to see Blue out and about, helping us raise awareness of our charity and the difference we can make together.”
This collaboration underscores the value of providing students with meaningful industry experiences and strengthening community ties.
