Art Therapy Can Play a Positive Part in Promoting Good Mental Health

Synopsis: The Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, William Hay MLA today launched an art exhibition to mark the beginning of Mental Health.

Session: 2012/2013

Date: 20 May 2013

Reference: SO 09/12/13

The Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, William Hay MLA today launched an art exhibition to mark the beginning of Mental Health Week.

The exhibition promotes mental health through art and art therapy and has been developed in association with Action Mental Health and Seacourt Print Workshop.

Speaker William Hay said: "It is very fitting that the Assembly has today launched an art exhibition for Mental Health Week. Promoting good mental health is something that we take very seriously; in fact, Action Mental Health is the Assembly Commission's charity of the year.

Representatives from Action Mental Health and Seacourt Print Workshop with the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr William Hay MLA, at the launch of an exhibition to mark Mental Health Week.

"Using art as therapy is a recognised way of improving personal growth and insight. It also helps people to process traumatic experiences, resolve personal conflicts and increase self-esteem.

"The exhibition will be displayed in Parliament Buildings over the next two weeks. I hope that all visitors who come to Parliament Buildings over that period will take the time to view it and reflect on the way that art can play a part in encouraging positive mental health."