Newtownabbey’s first citizen, Alderman John Scott, the Mayor of Newtownabbey. Alderman Scott today hosted a reception at Newtownabbey Council’s offices at Mossley Mill to promote the ‘A Closer Look’ photographic exhibition which has been on display in the reception area of Mossley Mill during March.

 

Local mental health charity MindWise, which is one of Alderman Scott’s chosen charities, developed the exhibition in 2009 to help raise awareness of mental illness with local people.

 

The exhibition features a series of photographic images taken by MindWise service users which take a ‘closer look’ at some familiar scenes and landmarks from around Belfast city centre and the Mossley Mill grounds. The exhibition was originally launched in October 2009 to coincide with World Mental Health Day. The dual aim of the exhibition is to both showcase the artistic talents of individuals affected by mental illness whilst encouraging the public to take a ‘closer look’ at the issue of mental illness which affects up to 25% of the population at any one time.

 

The 18 pieces in the photographic exhibition have been on display at Mossley Mill since the 15^th of March to date the collection has been viewed by many visitors to the council’s headquarters all of whom have been highly impressed by the quality of the works featured.

 

Speaking at an informal reception to celebrate the success of the exhibition, Alderman Scott was keen to encourage people to take some time to look at the issue of mental illness and what steps anyone can take to protect their own mental health, or seek support if they need it. He said “During my term as Mayor of Newtownabbey I have had many occasions to meet with many individuals living locally who are affected by mental illness and who are currently being cared for and supported by MindWise. On every occasion I have always been impressed by the talents and abilities of the people I have met within MindWise services and I am delighted that through my office as Mayor I have been able to facilitate this exhibition coming to Mossley Mill so that many others can also get to see the fantastic contribution people with mental illness can make. I do hope that anyone who has viewed the exhibition has taken a moment to reflect on their own mental wellbeing and also to reflect on what more they can do to show tolerance and acceptance for anyone they might encounter who is mentally ill”.

 

The exhibition concludes in Mossley Mill on 31^st March 2010, and MindWise are keen to source other community-based venues to stage the exhibition in to continue their efforts to raise awareness. If you are able to provide a venue to stage the exhibition in, please contact Geoff Scott, MindWise’s Public Affairs Manager by telephoning 028 9040 2323 or you can email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

 

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