AN UNIQUE stage and screen production of real-life stories celebrated World Mental Health Day.

The performance of Around the Mind in 80 Days was staged at Bridport Arts Centre by Burrough Harmony Centre.

The cast and backstage crew was made up of centre members, volunteers, staff, other local agencies and young people.

The event was created and performed by those with lived experience of mental illness, portraying their innermost thoughts and feelings, hopes and triumphs.

It was the culmination of 80 days of planning and development.

Local artists ran workshops and worked closely with Harmony members to create this incredible, open and honest look at mental health through the eyes of those who struggle with their mental health.

The project was made possible thanks to an Arts Council grant funded through Dorset Community Foundation as part of Queen Elizabeth ll Platinum Jubilee, which enabled the creative workshops.

Photographer Eddy Pearce, who supported the project, said: "What an amazing evening! A friend who had absolutely no idea what to expect was really blown away by the openness, honesty, and creativity of the evening.

"It's meant so much to me to get involved and I’ve enjoyed every minute of the time I’ve spent at Harmony and especially all the wonderful folk I’ve met."

Caroline Gamble, service manager at Harmony, said: "I was so touched by the honesty and courage shown by every single person on the stage. I believe everyone's work in the planning, rehearsals and on the night has raised awareness and allowed many to start a conversation about mental health and wellbeing which can only be a good thing."

Becca Powis, Harmony Drop In facilitator, added: "We could say the final show was 'a journey, not a destination'. It brought us all months of creative opportunities, collaborations with Eddy Pearce, Martin Maudesly, Stuart Lloyd, Louise Gunnill, Clive Whaley, Chris Deacon and others."

The evening was compèred by Phileas ‘Brain’ Fogg (convincingly played by Stuart Lloyd) and Harmony members and staff led us from the dark side to the recovery journey of people with mental health challenges through storytelling, poetry, photography, music, art and film. Harmony staff were available to support and advise about mental health support locally.

The Burrough Harmony Centre thanked Bridport Arts Centre for its support, both technically and creatively.

For more information see the website harmonydropin.org.uk or go to the ‘Harmony mental health Bridport’ Facebook page.