A PICTURE story of life in Okehampton went on show in the town's library on Monday — entitled 'An EnvironMENTAL viewpoint', the exhibition is the work of a group of members from the National Schizophrenic Fellowship (NSF) Old Theatre Project in Okehampton.
Produced to mark World Mental Health Day on October 10, the exhibition will run until October 21 and aims to capture both the stressful side of life in Okehampton and the positive side of the local environment.
Ongoing disruption of roadworks, businesses struggling to keep afloat in a small community and the derelict signs of more prosperous times can all cause stress, however, appreciating the heritage of the town's buildings, making use of community facilities and groups and peaceful moments spent in the park and countryside can equally help to relieve pressure.
World Mental Health Day seeks to remind people that they are all vulnerable to poor mental health — one in four people will experience a problem of this sort sometime in their lives but it also aims to raise awareness of the steps taken to find positive ways of coping.
The NSF Old Theatre Project is a day service for people in Okehampton and the surrounding area who are currently experiencing mental health problems. It provides a friendly safe place for people who have been referred by the Community Mental Health Team to come when they feel vulnerable.
Besides friendship, the project offers people the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities.
Okehampton Photo Centre has been thanked for providing the inspiration and practical support for the exhibition.