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Artist places canvases around Chatham, Gillingham and Rochester for Mental Health Awareness Week

Have you spotted one of 200 hand-painted canvases which have been placed around Chatham, Gillingham and Rochester?

They were placed around the Towns by a kind-hearted woman who wanted to lighten the mood of strangers during Mental Health Awareness Week last week.

The woman, who did not wish to be named, suffers from a mental illness herself.

An artist has left 200 canvases across Medway, like this one on Rochester Bridge, to promote Mental Health Awareness Week
An artist has left 200 canvases across Medway, like this one on Rochester Bridge, to promote Mental Health Awareness Week

She said: “I just wanted to show people that strangers can care.

“When I felt suicidal in the past I also felt very alone and if one of my canvas’ made one person smile, or made someone feel less alone, then my aim has been completed.”

The canvases, which featured hand painted pictures of dragonflies and dandelions, were wrapped in clear plastic with the message “If I have been found by you, I belong to you.

All of the canvases before the artist placed them around the Towns
All of the canvases before the artist placed them around the Towns

“I have made this gift for you to show that a stranger care. Made with love.”

People took to social media to share their finds. One woman found a canvas near Rochester Castle and another was found along the High Street.

The artist added: “This is not about me as a person, but it’s about who the artwork had an impact on. I hope people enjoyed finding them.”

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