A STUDENT who uses mental health services has won an NHS poster competition.

The South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust launched the competition earlier in the year and invited people who use their services across Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield to get creative and design a poster to advertise the Trust’s World Mental Health Day events.

The 25-year-old student’s entry impressed the judges and his design has been printed on posters and leaflets that have been distributed across the area.

Speaking about his design, the winner said, “I wanted to represent unity through the use of linked individuals around the world which was conveyed through linked stars.

“The stars are also depictions of people and I saw the star as symbolic for the championing of the individual and his or her health and needs within the requirements of wider society.

“I, myself, have experienced depression and I feel that with good sleep, healthy eating, communication and unity and the skills to become autonomous, people with mental health problems can overcome the struggle and stigma of their issues and lead a happy life.

“I would consider myself to be a practising artist and really enjoy using digital art as a means of self-expression and personal enlightenment.”

The Trust will be holding a whole week of events across Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield to mark World Mental Health Day.

This year’s celebrations will include taster sessions for arts and crafts and complimentary therapy sessions.

There will also be information stalls and displays helping people understand the importance of looking after their own mental well-being.

The events will take place on:

October 8 – Ebenezer Centre, St James Road, Halifax, 10am to 3pm.

October 9 – Batley Resource Centre, 90 Commercial Street , Batley, 10am to 3pm.

October 10 – University of Huddersfield, 10am to 3pm.

October 11 – Treacy Hall, Wakefield Cathedral, Northgate, Wakefield , 10am to 3pm.

October 12 – Pontefract Town Hall, Bridge Street, Pontefract, 10am to 3pm.

Everyone is welcome at the events.

For information ring freephone 0800 587 2108.