2018 May – Leicestershire Press

Dawn walk aims to raise awareness of mental wellbeing

By Alice Warner

Leicestershire Action for Mental Health Project (LAMP) are inviting individuals to join them for a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of legends.

In association with the Co-Op and Leicester Tigers, they are hosting a 5K dawn walk on June 3^rd, commencing at 3am, at the Welford Road Stadium.

Trevor Rigley, Co-Op store manager and organiser of LAMP’s dawn walk, said: “Into the light is about hope, it’s about challenging the stigma of mental health, it’s about involving communities in an idea that we can make a difference.

“Every day is a chance for a better life and what better way to celebrate than to watch the glorious sunrise and the transition from darkness into light.”

Welcoming in the new day with physical exercise is proven to improve your mental and physical wellbeing.

Trevor first found his passion for fundraising two years ago, he continued: “Charity and fundraising is a passion I discovered about two years ago on a climb of Kilimanjaro for Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice.

“Since then, I have always wanted to do something meaningful for mental health.”

On the morning, there will be a tombola and many fun activities during the event, so why not come along and raise awareness of mental wellbeing.

Tickets cost just £10 per person (under 5’s are free) but places are limited so if you would like to join hundreds of people on this uplifting walk then please, book now.

Alice Walker, 20, from Leicester, said: “I have decided to participate in the LAMP event for several reasons.

“One being suffering from mental health issues myself and two, celebrating togetherness and watching the sunrise on another day is a reminder that each day starts again and life carries on.

“My mental health issue was brought on by grief and it’s a massive step for me doing the walk this year as I feel like I’m living again, moving forward and I want to celebrate that.

“Celebrating inner strength and the power to carry on with a group of inspirational individuals.”

Giving a voice to people with mental health issues for 28 years, LAMP provides free mental health advocacy in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

The organisation works to promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma in the local community.

For any further information please contact LAMP on 0116 255 6286 or email events@lampdirect.org.uk

Art and Design students showcase their finest work in innovative exhibition

By Kerri Stevenson

Students and staff alike from De Montfort University gathered to the Vijay Patel building last week for a celebration of all things creative and artistic with a special end of year exhibition.

The Foundation Art Show took place in the building’s Art Tower and showcased the work that Art and design BTEC students have produced over the course of this year.

A colourful shoe exhibit by a BTEC student

The event, which was also open for the public to attend, was open from the 18^th-24^th May from 10am-4pm and included a wide variety of art including paintings, sculptures, fashion exhibits and textural work.

The BTEC diploma course that helped the students produce this impressive range of work helps them to develop their breadth of experience while preparing them for progression onto more advanced courses such as Art and Design degrees and teaching courses.

Art, design and fashion students all took part in the event

The exhibition was part of DMU’s annual Festival of Creativity, which celebrates the innovative creations of final year students from Architecture, Fashion, Design and Textiles courses as well as Visual and Performing Arts subjects.

Other events coming up later on over the coming months as part of the festival include a Contour Fashion show, a dance festival, a drama festival and the prestigious Graduate Fashion Week.

For more information, contact the Art and Design department on 0116 250 6070 or contact them on Twitter at @art_and_design.