To look at the pair, who are members of a Falkirk-based creative writing course, you would never think they have fought for years to combat mental health problems. Or that sometimes coming to this class is the only thing that can get them out of bed in the morning.

One in four people in Scotland will experience mental ill health at some point in their life, yet the subject is still considered taboo, which can make diagnosis and recovery difficult.

A new touring mixed media art exhibition is hoping to dispel some of these negative views as well as provide a platform and voice for those recovering from mental illness.

Titled Out of the Blue the display will consist of visual images and written word, many of which is by Joanne, Claire and their fellow classmates.

Organised by consultant psychiatrist Robert Clafferty, the project has been an inclusive venture between NHS Forth Valley, Open Secret, Artlink Central, Caledonian Club, Reachout, Falkirk and District Association for Mental Health and Stirling and District Association for Mental Health.

Robert, who is based at Westbank day hospital in Falkirk, said: "I want to break through the embarrassment of mental health which is damaging to the people I care for in Falkirk.

''Psychiatry is not always displayed in a positive way, but the creative work we do with patients is very therapeutic and allows them to look in different ways and to start making changes to their health.

"We organised the exhibition because we wanted to raise awareness about mental health and recovery, and writing and visual images are powerful ways of doing this. The exhibition highlights that people can and do recover from mental health problems and that people can live well even in the presence of symptoms."

For Joanne and Claire, the creative writing course they attend at Falkirk Infirmary has allowed them to meet like-minded people.

The sessions are organised in six-week blocks and are assisted by author and lecturer Helen Lamb.

Joanne said: "Because everyone is in a similar situation it makes it easier to open up and to feel comfortable. I feel like we are all in it together and because we have a sense of belonging it is easier to write about how you feel.

"It's also been good having the exhibition to work towards. Writing is a great way to express yourself as you feel in control and there is not too many rules.

"With mental illness you often feel in isolation, but then you can come here and are inspired by Helen and the others on the course and you don't feel so isolated. It has also helped me focus my mind.

''Having a mental illness means that your thoughts become a bit abstract and distant, but by focusing on writing we can relate to things as we did when we were well."

The courses are organised when funding is available and ideally Robert and Helen would like to see the programme last for around 10 weeks.

Building up a rapport with participants in order to gain trust is paramount, and Helen explains that the first few sessions are spent getting to know each other.

She said: "It's important to listen so the participants know that rest of the group are interested in what they have to say."

Claire feels the laid back nature of the class has made it easy to fit in. She said: "It's great to get inspiration and encouragement from the rest of the group.

"When I have been feeling unwell this is the only way I have of expressing myself. When I was admitted to hospital I could hardly speak but could still write. It is often easier to write certain things down than to speak them out loud.

"We have preconceived ideas of how we should be, but when you write you don't feel like you need to conform."

For Robert the course has also allowed him to see those he treats in a new light.

He said: "It's great getting to know the person behind the patient. The course helps empower people and allow them to speak for themselves. It improves self esteem and it is great as a professional to see the group grow in confidence. They have been a really enthusiastic group."

An opening ceremony for the exhibition will take place at Falkirk Town Hall on April 10. Falkirk author Alan Bissett will be speaking at the event and Helen will be running workshops.

The display will be housed at the Town Hall until April 19. It will then be on show in Stirling at the Smith Art Gallery from May 10 to 25 and in Alloa from June 23 to July 7.

s.hart@falkirkherald.co.uk
To protect patient confidentiality some names have been changed in this article.