The Perspective Project is encouraging Londoners with mental health problems to share their art and promote discussion for national Time to Talk day next Thursday.
Their website showcases prose, poetry, painting, videos, photos and other artwork exploring a wide range of issues, from anxiety and depression to self-harm, substance abuse and dealing with the aftermath of trauma.
It has hosted the work of more than 50 contributors since its launch in September and is planning to expand offline this year, moving into physical exhibitions and collaborating with local charities.
The project was founded by 24-year-old Mark Anscombe, of Hackney, who said: “I think my generation is better any generation before about talking about mental health, but there is a long way to go.
“We share large swathes of our lives and our experiences on social media, but this is often only a superficial, glamorous and cultivated image of ourselves.”
While at university, Mr Anscombe worked on a confidential phone support service where he learned how beneficial sharing mental health problems could be for sufferers.
He said: “Volunteering for Nightline I saw the value that people found in expressing their feelings and thoughts in an anonymous setting, and having their expression validated and supported.
“Many people use art, writing and poetry to express themselves. Similarly, many people connect to art and poetry in a powerful, emotional way.
“It is my hope that our project gives a therapeutic outlet for those expressing their mental health issues through art, whilst combating stigma that arises from public misunderstanding and inability to truly empathise.”
Mr Anscombe cites his favourite submissions as #100DaysofBulimia and #100DaysofBipolar, by Janet Ford, as well as poetry by John Carpenter about his experiences with PTSD and depression. Though he stresses all the work on the site resonates and moves him.
“So much of the work we receive on a daily basis amazes me,” he said.
This feeling is shared by both those who have shared their stories on site and its 100,000 plus viewers.
“Some of our artists have never shared their art with anyone, let alone the public,” Mr Anscombe added.
“It is humbling to receive some wonderful feedback from people who have never had their story listened to, cared about or shared.”
Time to Talk Day is February 1 and The Perspective Project welcomes all submissions about any issues relating to mental health, which can be made anonymously. Visit www.theperspectiveproject.co.uk
