Page 7 - Solent Mind News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

The humble bench is part of a project to inspire passersby to process emotions and expand imaginations. It is part of a campaign to encourage people to talk about their mental health. The design of the bench was created by Eastleigh student JoJo Lewis, who graduated from Solent University. It features Solent Mind’s wellbeing helpline number, along with the text “Take a minute, take a breath, call a friend”. The bench along Above Bar Street, is part of the BENCH Project which is a public art commission created by Solent Showcase Gallery and GO! Southampton, with support from Ba...

‘The effect was that my mental health worsened, to the point where I tried to take my own life. Luckily, I was unsuccessful, but my parents were unable to talk to me about it. ‘My mother did not have the confidence to talk to me about my emotions and there was very little mental health support in Cyprus.’ Andriana decided to return to the UK and worked in care homes. She said: ‘It seemed that I was always trying to help others, in what could sometimes be extremely traumatic circumstances, all whilst hiding my illness away. ‘Eventually I took the step of reaching out for help and I w...