Redcar & Cleveland Mind is marking Mental Health Awareness Week (Monday, May 16 to Sunday, May 22) by unveiling an art installation in Redcar & Cleveland Leisure and Community Heart.
Inspired by Brazilian artist, Rivane Neuenschwander, the installation will be available for viewing from Tuesday, May 17 at 1:30pm throughout the summer.
The project is called Hopes and Wishes, and will hold many ribbons displaying a wish. The aim is to capture the voices of the people of Redcar and Cleveland, including a number of former steelworkers, to be used as an outlet for people to express their emotions. Members of the public are encouraged to add their wishes to the installation. Paul Farmer, CEO of Mind, will be visiting Redcar to launch the project.
In the past year, Redcar & Cleveland Mind has seen an increase of over 91% demand for its services, which can give people the opportunity to talk about their stresses, anxiety, depression, shock or anger.
Redcar & Cleveland Mind provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem and campaigns to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Veronica Harnett, CEO Redcar & Cleveland Mind said: “I was inspired by Rivane’s work when I saw it at the Tate Gallery in St. Ives last September, just at the time when SSI was closing. It really is very powerful.
“I wanted to replicate what Rivane had done, up here in Redcar, so I contacted her and she gave us her blessing. We’re very thankful that she is actively supporting the project from Brazil. It’s an amazing opportunity to capture the thoughts of our community as we try to move forward after such a devastating loss.”
Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, Cllr Sue Jeffery said: “I look forward to seeing the ‘Hopes and Wishes’ installation at the Heart building – it is a really great way of finding out what people are thinking now and what aspirations they have for themselves and their families, the town and our borough.
“We know that many people have been affected by the closure of SSI and other job losses but very few of those people will actually talk about how that makes them feel or what their hopes are for the future. This is our opportunity to do just that and together tell the story of how we are feeling now and the future we would like to see. Redcar & Cleveland Mind have played a great part supporting people at a very difficult time, and this is just another example of their brilliant work. I really hope that lots of people will come along to see the installation and read the ‘hopes and wishes’ people have described and also most importantly, add thoughts of their own.”
Redcar & Cleveland Mind’s “Mobile Mindspace”, an innovative converted campervan will also be making an appearance on the day meaning services are now also mobile and will be travelling to see clients throughout Redcar and Cleveland.
For more information or to have an informal chat, please contact Redcar & Cleveland Mind on 01642 296052 or email info@rcmind.org