Colourful art trail set to launch in Worcester to raise awareness of mental health
Art installations across the city will signpost people to mental health support
A colourful art trail is set to launch in Worcester to raise awareness of mental health.
Local artists are providing bespoke pieces of art to provide a colourful, inspiring and covid safe journey around the city, while raising awareness of mental health.
The installations of fine art, photography, craft, murals and more will reflect ‘nature and the environment’ as part of this year's theme.
Shop windows and outdoor spaces will display the exhibits alongside information of how and where to access support for mental health services in the county.
The 'Now We're Talking With Art' campaign hopes to help those who have been struggling before and during the pandemic.
Gary Morgan, spokesperson for Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, said:
"Each of these pieces do represent someone's personal journey or a journey with mental health.
"They give a really positive message that you're not on your own, that it's okay to feel the way you do and will hopefully bring the wider community together in supporting one another.
"It's important for NHS Trusts like ourselves to promote prevention and to ensure people have the tools and information they need to maintain positive mental health".
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, the main providers of mental health services across Herefordshire and Worcestershire are teaming up with Worcester City Council and a host of local partners and businesses for the Worcester leg of the campaign.
They want to encourage the local community to get arty to support their mental health and wellbeing, through art based mental health resources, including mindfulness colouring sheets and live art classes.
Emily Johnson, from Artist Club House, said:
"“I truly believe that positivity and happiness is linked to creativity and hobbies. If I can help to inspire people to seek help and be creative that would be amazing.
"I have always struggled with my own mental health and part of my journey has been how being creative has helped me smile through difficult times.
"I would like to encourage other people to do the same and I think the NHS Now We’re Talking with Art campaign marries those ideas perfectly, I’m so excited to be a part of it and to spread awareness of all the different support you can find to help support you.”
The trail in Worcester will run throughout the month of May and further events are planned for Redditch in July and Hereford in September.
You can contact the Healthy Minds teams without needing to see another health professional first. If you live in Worcestershire call 0300 013 57 27 and for Herefordshire residents call 01432 347606. Alternatively visit the Healthy Minds website for more information www.healthyminds.whct.nhs.uk.