IMAG101 – Imagine Mental Health from Fuzzy Duck on Vimeo.

The Living Free Collective have teamed up with Imagine Independence who are national charity help people cope with mental health and provide them with guidance to become independent. The collaboration will result in an exhibition entitled ‘RAW Silence’ around Croydon from 30th November to 6th December 2016. A series of workshops will produce art/writing from those who use Imagine. The will be sharing their own alongside members of Imagine. Artists of all types from our local community will also be featuring.  All-in-all, together we aim to create awareness, art and confidence. RAW Silence…

…is symbolic of a group within our society that is often forced to suffer in silence, endure discrimination, bullying, and an array of other emotional and physical injustices. Through the exhibition Imagine Independence hopes to unite the community through the voice of art to collectively express whatever it is that each contributor feels must be said. Lee Townsend – Imagine

To get more of an insight of the impact that Imagine has had on those who attend, I was lucky enough to conduct a series of short interviews with Kim, Jeff and John. They each share their experience of Imagine and provide us with a little glimpse into their world. All feedback is welcome via social media, thank you.

Kim Feld

Artist who uses mix media, acrylic and oil paints. She has just finished an exhibition at the Bethlam Museum & Gallery. She currently has a portfolio of 500 paintings. She also does poetry

I do feel very relaxed when I’m doing art. It’s very, very therapeutic. I never find it stressful at all.
It (Imagine) adds a lot of vibrancy to my life.

Jeff Shaw

Jeff runs Imagine’s creative writing group and relaxation workshop. He is also passionate about photography. Mostly using his phone to capture his work.

I’ve been a member now for nearly five years. Before I joined, I was really, kept myself to myself. Never went out. But since I’ve joined imagine, my life has opened up.

John Messenbird

John is a photographer and artist. He has completed a level 1 C&G in photography at CALAT and earned a credit. He is currently enrolled in the level 2. John is a regular at the Lenses of Croydon forum.

Imagine don’t judge you, they just seem to help you… They want to encourage you to do things for yourself.

Website: http://www.imagineindependence.org.uk/

Twitter: @ImagineIndep01