Local mental health project receives support of acclaimed artist
The Time to Change funded Double Elephant project based in Exeter has received support from acclaimed artist David Shrigley.
The mental health project aims to tackle the stigma that surrounds mental illness by engaging communities across Devon in print making whilst starting a conversation about mental health.
Artist Shrigley has generously allowed some examples of his drawings to be used by The Conversation Station which uses printmaking with thought provoking and humorous slogans to initiate conversations about mental health. Visitors to the Conversation Station will be able to screen print copies of David’s work onto bags and posters.
The prints donated by Shrigley will travel around the county with volunteers from the project to inspire local residents taking part in the print making sessions.
The project is run by volunteers who have their own experience of mental health problems and through inviting and teaching the public how to use the mobile printing press to create images and text, volunteers will generate an environment for conversations about mental health to start.
Using the grant from Time to Change, which is England’s mental health anti-stigma programme run by the charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, Double Elephant will provide an opportunity for people with and without mental health problems to come together and have a conversation about mental health. Evidence suggests that this kind of contact is one of the most effective ways of breaking down stigma and discrimination.
Simon Ripley from Double Elephant said: "“David Shrigley came to give a lecture about his work at Exeter Phoenix and agreed to support the work of the charity. We are thrilled to have his work as an inspiration for the images and text that we are making to trigger conversations about mental health. It’s terrific that visitors to our mobile print station will be able to print their own David Shrigley prints”
Sue Baker, Director of Time to Change, said: “We know that face-to-face contact with someone who has experienced a mental health problem, who can talk openly and confidently about it, is key to transforming our understanding and attitudes toward the issue. What projects like this will do is ensure that everyone, from all different backgrounds, has the opportunity to get involved and play their part in tackling the taboo that surrounds mental health problems.”
For information about Time to Change initiatives please visit www.time-to-change.org.uk/grants
