NEW art sculptures have been unveiled at Lilford Park to raise awareness of mental health issues.

Standing Tall, a sculpture of three large sunflowers, has been created by working with patients at two mental health units within Leigh Infirmary.

Through creative sessions, key words relating to mental health, stigma and recovery were identified and have been carved into the flowers stems, leaves and roots to crate a conversation and promote understanding.

The art project was a partnership between Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles, the 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, community arts company the Action Factory and metal artist Salina Somalya.

Helen Seddon, community arts officer from Inspiring healthy lifestyles, said: “We are just so happy to have the project available in the park for everyone to see, it is so inspiring and hopfully it will encourage a conversation on mental health.

“This all started a year ago when we spoke to patients at Leigh Infirmary and tried to get them to express themselves and talk about their struggles using art as their voice.

“They really took with it and now we have these flowers with inspiring words written all over them from the petals, stems and the roots.

“People young and old can read them and start to think about how we all feel these emotions and therefore remove the stigma.

“We chose sunflowers because we wanted something that would not just fit in the park but symbolise growing and standing up tall and proudly. I think they are amazing.”

Cllr Keith Cunliffe, cabinet member for health and adult services added: “As a councillor and having previously worked as a mental health nurse at Leigh Infirmary for 10 years it is extremely important to me that we tackle mental health issues in our community and I welcome this fantastic piece of artwork that is a great addition to the park.”