Mental health charity, Newport Mind, are publishing a book of creative work produced by service users, with two launch events taking place at Newport’s Riverfront Theatre.
2018 marks the 40th anniversary of Newport Mind. As part of the celebrations, service users have been taking part in a Creative Therapies Project. The project involved writing and photography workshops led by renowned Newport poet, Paul Chambers, and National Geographic photographer, Daniel Alford. The creative work produced in the workshops is now being published in a commemorative book, entitled More than My Mind.
The launch of the book will take place at The Riverfront Theatre on Thursday 8 November at 7pm, and Wednesday 14 November at 1pm. There will also be an exhibition of work on display at The Riverfront from 5-16 November.
The Creative Therapies Project workshops were delivered at Newport Mind, developing an already existing writing group, and establishing a new photography group. The project fed into other existing groups at Newport Mind, such as the Music Appreciation Group, Men’s Group, and the Women’s Group. The charity were also able to utilise the project to connect with minority groups in Newport at statistically higher risk of mental health problems.
Community Wellbeing Officer, Helen McSherry states that “bringing the arts to life in this way has proved invaluable in reaching out, making strong connections with the wider community, and raising awareness of mental health issues, while reducing stigma. Members of the writing and photography groups have committed passionately to every aspect of this project. Their unwavering dedication has carried the vision of publishing this commemorative book through a powerful journey of creativity, transporting it to this inspirational reality.”
The book launch events at The Riverfront are open invitation and are free to attend. Copies of the book will be available to purchase at the venue.
Newport Mind was set up in 1978 by a group of people with mental health problems, their carers, and related professionals. The charity now supports and works with almost 2000 people a year.