MP supports local art exhibition for mental health awareness week

Mental health is the great taboo - yet one in four of us will experience mental health difficulties at some time. South Lakes MP Tim Farron chose to highlight mental health issues as he visited an art exhibition in Kendal's Elephant Yard as part of mental health awareness week.

The exhibition called 'My World in a box' is a collection of artwork by Workbase users being held in a vacant unit in the Elephant Yard in Kendal. The exhibition is running until Tuesday. The exhibition is in collaboration with several local charities and organisations including, MIND, Stonham, Looking Well and Cumbria Mental Health Group.

Workbase is a Kendal based mental health charity, whose focus is to help those who are recovering from mental illness to find their way back into employment, volunteering, training or education

For the exhibition individuals from these organisations have filled boxes with a representation of 'My World' as they view it in a wide range of styles and media. The effect of all these boxes together is visually stunning and offers an insight into the thoughts and feelings of those involved.

Tim commented:

"I was inspired by the work I saw and it is fantastic use of an empty shop in Kendal. I want to thank Elephant Yard for taking the bold step and allowing Workbase to use the space. Mental health is often considered a taboo, but this exhibition helps to break that taboo and give local people the chance to express themselves in a really powerful way."