A BEAUTIFUL art trail with 30 stunning installations has been launched in the city this month to spread positivity, highlight mental health support and encourage people to get out, exercise and support local businesses too.

Acrylic paintings, embroidery, paintings on cling film, sculptures and digital illustrations have all popped up in city shops and parks as part of the trail.

This Now We’re Talking with Art campaign has been organised by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, which provides mental health services across both counties.

Dr Kathryn Cobain, director of Public Health of Worcestershire, said: “The last 12 months have been really tough, and I hope the trail will bring a bit of brightness back into our lives.

“Keeping an eye on your mental health as well as your physical health is really important. It’s okay not to feel okay and I’d urge anyone struggling to reach out and make sure you receive some help and support when you need it. There are some fantastic resources available to help make sure you get the help and support you need.”

The campaign has enlisted the support of businesses, art groups and local councils to brighten up Worcestershire and start the conversation around mental health.”

Dawn Stallard, team lead within Healthy Minds, said: “Our art trail is a creative way of raising awareness of local support available throughout the community including our Healthy Minds service.

“There are many situations in a person’s life which can lead to stress, anxiety, low mood or depression, and sometimes there are no obvious causes but asking the question and starting a conversation with someone can make a big difference.”

Over 30 local artists have got involved to make the trail including, Kirstie Gregory and Paul Burton.

Kirstie’s acrylic painting full of colour and texture is hanging proudly in the window of Be the Change in the Cornmarket and is ‘representative of the importance of physical well-being, being present in your body, loving your body and being gentle with it.’

Paul’s Picasso inspired sculpture, aptly named ‘Angst’ can be found in The Commandery. He said: “I wanted to try to visually show “Angst” in this sculpture and interpret the feelings so as to make them understandable and and what it can do to any human being when damaged.”

To read more visit: www.healthyminds.whct.nhs.uk