A new gallery exploring how art can improve wellbeing is opening at the Harris.

A launch event will take place on Monday 9 September at 10.30am. Visitors are invited to attend and chat with Harris curators, with refreshments being served until 11.30am on the second floor balcony.

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The idea of the new gallery is for visitors to take time to slow down and relax. Various wellbeing activities will be on offer, such as creative writing and mindfulness, inspired by the Harris’ art collections.

Also from Monday, a new partnership will begin between the Harris and Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust. This will see the Lancashire Recovery College based at the Harris every Monday throughout autumn and winter, offering free wellbeing workshops.

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The first workshop, called the Tree of Life will run at 1.30pm on Monday. It’s a creative course designed to help people look at their life experiences, things that are important to them, and how they look after themselves.

Recovery College staff and volunteers will also be available over Monday lunchtimes if visitors need a chat about living well, or signposting to other wellbeing services in the region.

Cllr Peter Kelly, cabinet member for culture and leisure at Preston City Council, said: “In addition to their fantastic range of free courses it’s great to have the Lancashire Recovery College’s staff and volunteers at the Harris one day each week to help us all talk about our wellbeing.

“This is a great new partnership, and we hope the Harris will become a wellbeing resource for people in Preston.”

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Caroline Donovan, Chief Executive at Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted to add the new Harris Gallery to our Recovery College outlets.

“Health and wellbeing is so important and is influenced by many factors. The Recovery College’s free courses are accessible to everyone and provide an opportunity for people to explore many different activities and courses that could have a real benefit to their everyday lives.

“We are grateful to Preston City Council for making this space available to us.”

The new gallery was developed through visitor consultation sessions, where local people were asked what sort of activities they’d like to see and what art works they find relaxing. The results are on display and everyone will be asked for their feedback so the gallery can be further developed in the future.

To find out more, visit the Harris website. To book a place on any of the free workshops, go to Lancashire Recovery College’s Eventbrite page.

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What do you think of the Harris’ new gallery and workshops? Let us know in the comments below.