A NEW film which shows how involvement in gardening and the arts can help people with severe and enduring mental health problems had its premiere at Dundee Contemporary Arts yesterday.

The film has been made by and for people with mental illness, in conjunction with Dr Hester Parr, of Dundee University.

The film-makers are members of LUNA, an arts and mental health group in the city, who have themselves benefited from their participation in the arts.

The short film, Recovering Lives: Mental Health, Gardening And The Arts, is part of the three-year research fellowship on mental health and social inclusion being undertaken by Dr Parr.

“There is great value in activities such as gardening and the arts for people with severe and enduring mental health problems,” she said.

“Not only in therapeutic terms but also in helping them integrate into their communities and challenge stigmatising attitudes to mental ill health.

“Some of the projects we have looked at operate gardens right in the heart of the community in which people work positively for well-being.

“Artistic projects also enable people with mental health problems to be valued for their contribution to their local cultural heritage.’’