ART group Metal are doing their bit to support people with mental health concerns and dementia.

They currently run weekly sessions that see suffers enjoy the benefits of getting outside into nature and a chance to express their creative side.

Over 600 hours of mental health art groups sessions have been delivered over last 16 months which have worked with over 26 local organisations and charities.

More than 50 people have taken part who have been diagnosis of depression, anxiety, bi- polar, paranoia, post traumatic stress disorder, social isolation, learning disabilities or dementia.

Participants in the Metal group sessions get involved in the digital art project at Chalkwell Park. The digital project, called NetPark, started in 2015 and encourages people to get out in the fresh air and take photos of nature and then use technology to create digital art with the images.

This Dementia Awareness Week (14-20 May), Collette Bailey, who runs Metal, is proud of their efforts in supporting dementia suffers: "As we get older, often people don't afford themselves the luxury of self expression. We find that some people who might not have got into art find lots creativity and love the chance to express themselves. It is a chance to focus on something enjoyable and many carers have said that engaging in art has unlocked something positive in the dementia patients."

Collette says that people who have taken part in the 12 week courses then return to Metal to volunteer.

She says: "Lots of people come back to volunteer so it goes in a full circle and we have built a real sense of community here. One thing we do want to highlight is that people can self refer to come on the course if they have been diagnosed with a mental health concern or dementia."

Metal's Village Green Festival gained bronze Attitude is Everything award for it's efforts in making last year's event a happy place for people with mental health problems. This year they are aiming to get a silver award.

Collette says: "All of the staff have had training and a lot of it is about awareness and thinking laterally about what people with mental health concerns need. We will create a quiet a space for people so they don't feel overwhelmed by noise at the festival, there will be a fridge for people to store medication and clean toilets where people can administer medication. Mental health is not visible so it is about people mindful of other people and what they might be experiencing."

NetPark is a collaboration between Metal and Southend Borough Council public health team which runs at Metal Art School in Chalkwell Park.

It is the world’s first digital art park project and it currently works with Project 49, Summerfield Care Centre, Trust Links, adults with dementia and young carers.

Sessions are typically on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings 10am to12pm and 1pm to 3pm.

For more information about how to get involved, contact Emma Mills on emma.mills@metalculture.com or call 01702 470700.