South London creatives use their art to fight mental health stigma

Helen Hayes MP urges for parity of esteem for mental health care.

A group of south London creatives are using their art to promote honest discussion of mental health and challenge stigmas.

Creative Voices, a south London creative collective, are holding an art gallery and performance at Dulwich’s Bell House.

The gallery will be open from 5 – 7 July, showcasing art, poetry and photography. On 7 July from 4-7pm artists, performers and speakers will take to the stage for the main event.

Dulwich and West Norwood MP Helen Hayes, who is speaking at the performance, said:

‘I am delighted that Creative Voices have brought together such a diverse array of artists to raise awareness and challenge the way we think about mental illness.

Waiting times for treatment remain far too long and many are still afraid to talk openly about their problems. We urgently need to begin treating mental health in the same way we do physical health conditions.’

Those performing at the event include Dave Neita (Poet, Lawyer, lecturer & motivational speaker), Tallulah (Singer/Songwriter/label owner), Grey Matter LDN (Mental Health Fashion Brand) . All artists involved with the event have been affected by mental illness.

Chloe Edwards-Wood, who helped found Creative Voices, said:

‘Mental illness now affects one in four of us. Yet sadly it is often a silent pandemic. I am so proud of the artists we have brought together who are powerfully expressing how mental illness has affected them. This is a conversation we need to be having all the time.’

The Art Gallery is free to attend, with suggested donations going to MQ, an international mental health research charity.

Tickets for the performance on 7 July are £5 and can be purchased online. All funds raised go to Bell House to enable similar future events.