An innovative arts project has been launched to provide a therapeutic outlet for those suffering from mental health issues and to eliminate the stigma surrounding it.
The Perspective Project was recently founded by Mark Anscombe, from Wetheringsett, near Stowmarket, and invites contributors to share their art and stories with the world via the organisation’s website or social media pages.
Already more than 30 artists from around the UK, USA, Scandinavia and Canada – all of whom suffer from mental health issues – have submitted work.
The goal of the organisation is to end the stigma around mental health by welcoming a wide range of art, poetry, writing, videos, and factual accounts.
Mark, 24, who attended Colchester Grammar School, said: “When I was at university I volunteered for Nightline taking calls from students, parents and grandparents and it was then I realised the breadth of mental health issues.
“I wanted to find a way where people could express themselves and of course the way in which many people express themselves is through art and poetry.”
All of the material on the site has been submitted by the public and new work is released every Sunday and throughout the week on the project’s Instagram and Facebook channels.
Mark added: “I am continuously looking to attract more artists, writers, poets and anyone with a story to tell. We accept submissions in any form, and allow people to submit anonymously if they wish.
“I would say 99% of the work goes on unedited and I ask for people who have submitted work to also explain their experiences behind it.
“You get some very powerful, lucid pieces.
“So far, we have had excellent feedback. Many of our artists and contributors have never felt comfortable sharing their work. We have also amassed over 1,000 Facebook followers within a few months, and the number continues to grow.
“I am currently focused on connecting with artistic organisations who work in the community helping people with mental health issues, such as the Young Urban Arts Foundation in East London.
“In the new year I’m also looking to do more work with Suffolk-based organisations.”
For more information, visit www.theperspectiveproject.co.uk
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