Local Life - St Helens - October 2019

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Feeling the
Madlove
St. Helens-based arts organisation Heart of Glass
is taking over the vacant Argos store in the town
centre to combat poor mental health.
Since being labelled ‘England’s suicide capital’ in
April this year and over 80% higher than the national
average for people taking their own lives, St. Helens
authorities have been trying to come up with a way
to combat the problem. This is where Heart of Glass
comes in – they’re inviting local people to come and
celebrate life, love and community with a series of
exhibitions and performances.
Artist James Leadbitter commented: ‘By taking
over the now closed Argos store and producing a
colourful, exciting and welcoming space together,
I hope we can create somewhere for people to go
to try and rebuild that sense of community that has
been lost.’
The takeover space is open for a cuppa and a chat
throughout November from 11am-6pm, Tuesday-
Saturday. Everything is free to attend and everyone
is welcome.
Over the course of November, 13 local,
national and international artists will
head to the former Argos shop in The
Hardshaw Centre. Project lead artist
James Leadbitter has experience
translating mental health into art
– he’s just completed a 6-month
project at Great Ormond Street
Hospital, helping patients maintain
healthy minds and contribute to a
healthy society.
Among the visiting artists are Hana
Madness, who will cover the town
in colourful bipolar monsters, Kim
Noble, who wants to end loneliness,
and local artist Hwa Young Jung, who
will be mapping places across town
where you can experience care – even
something as casual as a chat at the
chippy. Opening the festival is writer
and artist Jess Thom, the Tourette’s
Hero, with comedy that proves you
can be both the most persistent
heckler and the main act.