Support for families experiencing mental health concerns is to increase in East Staffordshire thanks to a unique art project.
The Big Burton Carousel, run by Making Trails, will be auctioning off a series of art sculptures on Wednesday 19th October to raise funds for Burton and District Mind and are looking for businesses to find forever homes for the unique horses.
The charity auction, which is expected to raise thousands of pounds for Burton and District Mind, will go towards expanding the area’s volunteer mental health programme to support specialist training, supervision and pilot projects. This will include introducing 20 new volunteers to identify and support those living with poor mental health.
Statistics show mental health problems are at a record high, with 1 in 3 experiencing mental health concerns, due to the ongoing pressures faced following the COVID pandemic, the cost of living crisis and rising gas and electricity bills.
Keri Lawrence, Development and Sustainability Officer at Burton and District Mind, said that projects like The Big Burton Carousel were vital in helping to raise the money needed to support the growing numbers of people needing support to face mental health problems and hoped people would get behind the bid to rehome the unique art pieces.
He said: “We are seeing a growing number of referrals for our services as people continue to face uncertain times.
“Funds raised through the auction will go directly towards supporting those struggling in our communities to improve mental wellbeing and offer much needed support when people need it the most.”
The Big Burton Carousel has been erected in Burton town centre for the past 3 months and is designed to increase footfall in the town by giving local artists the chance to showcase 30 specially designed carousel horse sculptures.
The sculptures, which are based on the carousel fairground rides made by Burton’s famous fairground makers Orton and Spooner, will now be auctioned off at an event hosted by celebrity auctioneer Richard Winterton.
Tilley Bancroft, artist and owner of Making Trails, said the 165cm high unique sculptures have been a much-loved addition in the town and it was now a great opportunity for businesses and households to acquire a unique piece of art.
She said: “Each carousel horse sculpture has been lovingly hand painted by local artists and feature unique designs. Perfect for horse themed businesses, such as stables and racecourses, or just those looking for a unique piece of art, the new owners will also be helping to support individuals when they need it most.
“The last three years have been an extremely difficult time for many and that has had an affect on people’s mental health. Charities like Burton and District Mind are helping to offer a lifeline of support when people need it most.
“The auction is a great way to raise as much money as possible to support our local community.”
The Big Burton Carousel saw more than 20,000 visitors flock to the town to view the recycled plastic sculptures as part of the trail which spanned across the Staffordshire town. Each one of the carousel horse sculptures will be enhanced and repaired to make them as good as new for the auction after their three-month public display.
Last year Making Trails ran a similar art trail called Burton Swans which raised £11,000 for Burton YMCA which supports people who find themselves homeless in the town.
Anyone interested in finding out more about the carousel horses and the upcoming auction can visit TheBigBurtonCarouselAuction.eventbrite.com or www.makingtrails.co.uk
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