Peninsula artists will share their insights into mental illness at the 2016 Mental Health Week Peninsula Art Exhibition. 

Presented by Mentis Assist, the exhibition runs until Saturday, October 22, at Frankston’s Cube 37 and showcases the work of artists with a lived experience of mental illness, including carers and family members. 

For Peter Fanton, whose painting Justified and Ancient (pictured) won best artwork at last year's exhibition, art is “a means by which I bring into focus that which matters to me.  In terms of recovery and my wellness strategies, art allows me to connect and express my values and what has meaning to me”.

The exhibition is about more than just art, however.  It is about the importance of community support in breaking down stigmas and enabling people to access the treatment and care they need to manage and recover from their illness.  In the Frankston/Mornington Peninsula area there are higher levels of mental health than the Victorian average and many are not aware of or have difficulty accessing services available in the community. 

Mentis Assist provides specialised mental health support for people 16 years and over living in the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula areas.  Its services include homelessness support, activity groups within the community, youth support, carer and family outreach, and tailored care for individuals from dedicated support workers. 

For more information about the exhibition, visit mentisassist.org.au/mental-health-art-exhibition