YOUNG people from Leigh and Wigan who are passionate about mental health are creating a new arts exhibition which will promote the importance of positive mental wellbeing.

The Total Rethink youth group, run by Wigan Council, has secured funding from Arts Council England to develop the exhibition.

They will now spend the next three months working with arts company Odd Arts and digital arts firm Re-Dock on the project, which they have called Playful Revolution.

Nicole Connor, 14, from Leigh, said: "This group is all about spreading awareness of the importance of mental health to young people.

"Some people think children don’t have issues with mental health but it is all around us."

Elaine Davies, youth worker at the council, added: "The group has already developed a short film about young people’s mental health and we are now really excited to be starting work on Playful Revolution.

"The young people are aiming to create an interactive installation that will promote positive mental wellbeing to other young people and their families.’

The young people are currently learning about sensory art and visiting different exhibitions around the region to experience different art forms.

Total Rethink is open to anyone aged 11 to 18 who wants to raise awareness of the importance of mental wellbeing, tackle stereotypes around mental illness and improve mental health services for young people.

The group has been supported in developing the Playful Revolution project by Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles.

To find out more young people can e-mail voiceandengagement@wigan.gov.uk.