Exhibition shines a light on mental health recovery
An art exhibition celebrating the work of a Men’s Shed and mental health recovery group has officially opened in Paisley.
Johnstone photographer Melissa Mitchell took the images of the Men’s Shed in Foxbar as part of a project to mark the 50th anniversary of Shelter Scotland, the housing charity which set up the project.
Members of the group share skills like woodwork and provide friendship and support to each other in weekly meet-ups at Foxbar Youth Centre.
Also at the exhibition in Pop! community arts space in the Piazza Shopping Centre are boat sculptures made by the Sunshine Recovery Cafe art group.
Members have been working with the boat theme as an image of their recovery from mental ill health and addiction.
Provost Lorraine Cameron was the special guest invited to open the exhibition. She said: “It was heartening to see the groups working together to produce this collaboration of art. It cannot be underestimated just how much it has helped the members of the groups.
“We heard how getting together to talk and create can help with their recovery and mental health.
“Having groups like these in our community assures me that there is hope for people outwith the normal medical support they require.
“They also need recreation,
Paisley Grammar School is the place to be next Friday, October 4.
Scottish Opera is staging its exciting new show Amadeus and The Bard: 18th Century Cosmic Brothers. friendship and love, and that is what they experience when they attend any of the sheds or recovery groups.
“With mental health illness on the rise, they need our support more than ever.
“I would encourage everyone to go along and support the exhibition and have a wee chat about what you can do to support them.”
Shelter Scotland’s project Foundations First, which is funded by the STV Children’s Appeal,
It celebrates the lives of Amadeus Mozart and Scotland’s Bard Robert Burns, through storytelling and song, honouring the many and sometimes surprising similarities between them. manages the Men’s Shed and other initiatives to support people affected by poverty and housing problems in Renfrewshire.
Pop! is run by Renfrewshire Leisure. Visual arts project producer Kate Drummond said: “Our venue is right in the heart of Paisley and completely free for people to visit. We’re delighted to have Melissa’s photographs of the Men’s Shed and the Sunshine Recovery Café art group boats on display side-by-side offering reflections into how relatively simple opportunities to connect and build relationships can support people through the challenges of life.”
The exhibition will run until Saturday, October 12.
The Sunshine Recovery Cafe meets every Wednesday afternoon in St Matthew’s Church, Gordon Street and is a peer run cafe for people in recovery from mental health challenges and addiction.
The Men’s Shed meets at the Foxbar Youth Learning Centre on Findhorn Avenue on Mondays from 1.30pm till 3.30pm.
Karen MacIver is the music director and pianist on this dramatic and emotive show, which features a talented cast including top actor Andy Clark.
They are joined by an ensemble of singers from
Scottish Opera Young Company.
Book at https:// renfrewshireboxoffice. ticketsolve.com
Tickets are £10 (£5 concession).