World Mental Health Day was celebrated in a performance of 'Around the Mind in 80 days' at Bridport Arts Centre earlier this month.

A capacity audience saw the Burrough Harmony Centre members, volunteers, staff, other local agencies and young people perform this unique stage and screen production of real-life stories. The event was created and performed by those with lived experience of mental illness, portraying their innermost thoughts and feelings, hopes and triumphs.

This event was the culmination of 80 days of planning and development. Local artists ran workshops and worked closely with Harmony members to create this incredible, open and honest look at mental health through the eyes of those who struggle with their mental health. The project was made possible thanks to an Arts Council grant funded through the Dorset Community Foundation as part of Queen Elizabeth ll Platinum Jubilee, which enabled the creative workshops held with local artists at Harmony culminating in this performance, and another held earlier this summer.

Around The Mind in 80 Days, Bridport.

Photographer Eddy Pearce who supported the project commented: "What an amazing evening. A friend who had absolutely no idea what to expect was really blown away by the openness, honesty, and creativity of the evening. It's meant so much to me to get involved and I've enjoyed every minute of the time I've spent at Harmony and especially all the wonderful folk I've met. Hope that you are all feeling super proud of giving so many people a chance to share their experiences, and to help each other and so many others beyond. Very special."

Caroline Gamble, Service Manager at Harmony, said: "I was so touched by the honesty and courage shown by every single person on the stage. I believe everyone's work in the planning, rehearsals and on the night has raised awareness and allowed many to start a conversation about mental health and wellbeing which can only be a good thing."

The evening was compèred by Phileas 'Brain' Fogg (convincingly played by Stuart Lloyd) and Harmony members and staff led people from the dark side to the recovery journey of people with mental health challenges through storytelling, poetry, photography, music, art and film. Harmony staff were available to support and advise about mental health support locally.

The Burrough Harmony Centre said it was "very grateful" to Bridport Arts Centre for their support.

"This venture has had such an impact on those involved who were able to openly share their experiences and also to the Bridport community by highlighting mental health and its challenges," a spokesperson for the centre added.

For anyone needing support with their mental health and well-being, information about support at Harmony can be found here or on the 'Harmony mental health Bridport' Facebook page.