Mendip District Council has been working with the mental health charity Mind in Somerset on a creative arts project in Frome that captures the thoughts and feelings of an extraordinary year, following the COVID pandemic.

The series of poems on public display at Merchant's Barton Car Park were penned by service users and staff at the mental health charity, and commissioned by Mendip to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, May 10 - 16.

The inspiration for the poetry pieces were a set of stunning photos taken by Frome photographer Tim Gander and installed 18 months ago on hoardings surrounding the town's Saxonvale site. Tim spent two years documenting life at the derelict location before the Council acquired and secured the land, in August 2018.

The new poetry works are displayed alongside their corresponding photo panels for local people, and visitors to the town, to read and enjoy.

Chair of Mendip District Council, Cllr Helen Sprawson-White, Saxonvale Project Co-Ordinator at Mendip, Naomi Wilson, and photographer Tim Gander joined representatives from Mind in Somerset at the unveiling. They included Charlie Acton-Pearce, Operations Manager, plus Recovery and Wellbeing Worker, Victoria Buckler, who had written one of the poems on display.

Also present was Ryan Anderson, representing Balfour Beatty. The contractors have been appointed to clean-up and clear Saxonvale, prior to development, and are currently in operational control of the old industrial site. The firm financed a refresh of the hoardings and photographs, and the installation of the poetry panels.

Cllr Sprawson-White said: "It's so touching to read the words of those suffering with a range of mental health issues during this hugely difficult time in our lives, their interpretation of Tim's images mixed with their own thought and feelings are both emotional and outstanding.

"I'd like to say a huge thank you to each of the contributors for their honesty and creativity, and to Mind in Somerset for facilitating the sessions, as well as Tim Gander for his moving imagery. I urge anyone that can, to take the time to visit the site and take a moment to read the poems."

Cllr Sprawson-White, who is also ward councillor for Frome Oakfield, added: "Frome is proud to host these works of hope, written by people from across our district, and displayed so beautifully in the Saxonvale quarter.

"As the Saxonvale development evolves, it will offer a new way of living and working in the heart of the town. We envisage it will become a central hub for arts creativity too."

Tim Gander said: "Never did I imagine when I was photographing the images that they would have such reach, or be used in such a positive way, or for such a significant event as Mental Health Awareness Week.

"It's humbling to see how people have responded to my photographs in their own words on such a visceral level. I'm so proud to be a part of it. It gives me goose bumps."

Charlie Acton-Pearce explained the hoardings poetry project provided both service users and staff at Mind in Somerset with a unique platform to express how they were feeling, in a creative way.

He said: "We approached the theme together, all coming from the same place. The benefits of this project run deep and are difficult to quantify. Our group members all reported that the poems have helped in their recovery journey, and will no doubt have an impact on those who read them, too."

Victoria Buckler added: "It's been a tough year. Many people have experienced crushing grief, uncertainty and feelings of isolation. This arts project, and Tim's wonderful photographs, provided the perfect inspiration and opportunity to share a message of hope."

Ryan Anderson, Balfour Beatty Project Manager, said: "At Balfour Beatty, we are committed to tackling the stigma around mental health within our industry and more widely across society too - we want to create an open and honest culture whereby everyone can be their true selves, every day.

"As a mental health first aider, I was particularly pleased to play a role in this touching tribute which captures the importance of putting our mental health first. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and as we mark Mental Health Awareness Week, encouraging people to talk about this critical issue has never been more important."

To contact Mind in Somerset call their Mendip office on 01749 233115 and speak to a member of the team, or visit www.mindsomerset.org.uk for information on services available.

You can view Tim Gander's work by clicking HERE: the Take A Gander site