OVER 35,000, 15 to 17 year olds this year have taken part in a summer programme called National Citizen Service (NCS). A selection of the work produced throughout the programme will be exhibited at Creative Response – a Farnham-based, independent, fine arts organisation for people who have experienced mental distress and for those with multiple needs.

The upcoming exhibition entitled ’Impressions’ is the culmination of photographs produced by a group of individuals as part of the NCS programme. The work includes prints, tie dye and batik, soapstone carvings, glass and photographs.

Bethany Free, Maddie Eggleton and Sam Cockcroft, who took part in the programme, said: “We feel mental health is an increasingly important issue, especially in younger people as one in four aged between 16 to 25, have experienced some sort of mental distress, such as anxiety or depression. We have learnt through our work with Creative Response that art helps focus the mind and express emotion.

“Our aims have been to raise awareness for the charity and their current exhibition. We spent two days at the charity photographing the participants and learning their stories. We then participated in a sponsored 100 challenges around Guildford to raise funds for Creative Response and we also campaigned to encourage the public to sign a petition to try and get mindfulness and mental health taught as part of the national curriculum.”

The exhibition begins with a private view on Tuesday, September 8, and will continue until October 2. It is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 10am until 3pm. For more information contact 01252 716876 or go to www.creativeresponsearts.org.