Children's mental health art project on display

An exhibition of artwork by children who have accessed mental health support in Surrey has gone on display.

Organisers of My Voice Matters at The Horton arts centre in Epsom said it was designed to "give young people a voice through art".

Some of the children have survived abuse or assault and others are in the care system.

One young artist said: “I feel satisfied when I do art. It is simple.”

Another girl spoke to BBC Radio Surrey about her artwork: "It shows whatever you've been through it doesn't matter if you're having trouble telling somebody, your voice will always be heard."

Rebecca Robertson, specialist mental health therapist, said: “Being able to express yourself through art can be a therapeutic experience for some but can also during the process release traumatic thoughts, experiences, and feelings.

"It’s not just the finished image, which is useful, but also the process of creating it.”

The project has been organised by the NHS's mental health provider, Mindworks Surrey.

The exhibition is free to enter and showcases artwork by young people, their parents and carers, and staff.

The My Voice Matters art exhibition runs until 6 September.

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