Paddy Ashdown, Dr Sue Farrant talk to Katie about her work
Dr Sue Farrant, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for West Dorset, visited the Arts Centre in Bridport this week to view an exhibition organised by Rethink, the national mental health charity.
Accompanied by former Liberal Democrat leader, Paddy Ashdown, Sue Farrant viewed a gallery of self-portraits painted by people affected by mental health issues. The exhibition was named ‘Rethink Parliament’ and enabled the participants to explore the themes of Parliament and what politics means to them.
A charity which is very close to her heart and one that she champions, Sue met with a couple of the artists, Katie Dare and David Russell, and spoke to them about their experiences.
Sue Farrant said: “Meeting Katie and David today was such a delight. It is marvellous to see what Rethink is doing for people and giving them the opportunity of a better quality of life. It is invaluable work that needs as much support as we can give it.”
Pauline Sparks, Services Manager for Dorset, welcomed the opportunity to meet Sue. She said: “It is encouraging that the candidates have signed the Rethink pledge to champion mental health in the next Parliament should they be elected. Mental illness is an issue that still has a great deal of stigma attached to it.
“We need politicians of all parties to be willing and vocal about standing up for mental health services, especially in a climate of spending cuts where they can often seem like a soft target, despite serving some of the most vulnerable in our society.”
Rethink service users and carers will be working with international artist Rachel Gadsden in 16 workshops in England up until July 2010. The portraits produced by contributors will become part of a digital exhibition available to view on Parliamentary Outreach, Rethink and Disability Arts Online websites.
