Local man wins NHS poster competition

A 25 year old art student from Pontefract has won an NHS poster competition beating entrants from across Wakefield, Calderdale and Kirklees.

The South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust launched the competition earlier in the year and invited people who use their services to get creative and design a poster to advertise the Trust’s World Mental Health Day events. The student’s entry impressed the judges and his design has been printed on posters and leaflets that have been distributed across the area.

Speaking about his design, the winner said, "I wanted to represent unity through the use of linked individuals around the world which was conveyed through linked stars. The stars are also depictions of people, and I saw the star as symbolic for the championing of the individual and his or her health and needs within the requirements of wider society.

He continued, "I myself have experienced depression and I feel that with good sleep, healthy eating, communication and unity, and the skills to become autonomous, people with mental health problems can overcome the struggle and stigma of their issues and lead a happy life. I would consider myself to be a practising artist and really enjoy using digital art as a means of self expression and personal enlightenment. ."

The Trust will be holding a whole week of events across Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield to mark World Mental Health Day. This year’s celebrations will include taster sessions for arts and crafts and complimentary therapy sessions. There will also be information stalls and displays helping people understand the importance of looking after their own mental well being, as well as information on mental health issues.

Everyone is welcome at the events and refreshments are available throughout the day. For more information contact freephone: 0800 587 2108