Matt’s Maker Space opens a new location at UPMC Western Psych to help kids with mental illnesses

Kids getting treatment for mental health challenges now have their own maker space at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital. Matt’s Maker Space opened its first location in a mental health facility in the South Side today.

The space will be for behavioral treatment and for patients to just create and relax while exploring science, art and tech projects.

A 17-year-old patient, NaTerra, enjoyed painting a picture at the new space. “I was very mindful when I was painting this painting,” she told KDKA. “It is so calming.”

Noelle Conover of Mount Lebanon founded the nonprofit after her own son had cancer. There are now a total of 30 locations in western Pennsylvania and another planned for Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago.

“There are so many things that are given to children who are fighting a health battle, but in the mental health world, they don’t have access to as many things,” Conover said.

She wants children with mental illness to be given the same opportunities and supports as children with other illnesses.