An exhibition of art work about mental health has opened in Carlisle.

Youngsters from the city's Youth Zone have been busy creating paintings and objects in drop-in sessions.

The Heads Together exhibition is made up of art work from youngsters aged seven to 25.

It explores emotions, mental health and the importance of creativity.

The show is presented in association with Carlisle based, mental health charity Lisa’s Legacy in memory of Lisa Bertoletti.

Lisa, a gifted musician and linguist, was just 30 when she lost her life in a tragic rail accident in 2001.

Since Lisa's death, her mum, Jane Anderson, has been working to raise awareness of mental illness and improve the care available.

Jane said: "Over the years I have come to realise that it is really important to intervene early when it comes to mental health.

"You have to get in early before they start to develop mental health problems and give them the tools and resilience to manage their own mental health.

"Art and music are a great way to get through to them."

The title of the show - Heads Together - is inspired by the Heads Together mental health charity set up by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, which aims to tackle stigma and change the conversation on mental health.

A spokesman for Carlisle Youth Zone said: "This exhibition is to celebrate the creativity of young people and explores the way arts and crafts can be used to start a conversation about emotions and mental health.

"The club sessions aren’t a school environment; all the artwork displayed was done in informal sessions, where members can drop in for 10 minutes or spend the whole evening being creative.

"It turns out that it’s a good time to talk while doing something arty, and whatever you do the results are completely individual, promoting self-esteem and well being."

Since 2017, the youth zone, on Victoria Place, has offered a new arts and craft programme which has seen theatre performances, a dancers in residence programme, storytelling, and art sessions featuring; drawing, painting, printing and all sorts of making.

There’s a parallel music programme too, supported by a fully equipped music studio.

Recently the programme has been boosted by the involvement of local artists and musicians.

Jane said: "My husband, who is in a band, has been working with the youngsters and artist Troy Slater did a workshop with them as well.

"Councillor Lee Sheriff has spoken with Liverpool Mayor Andy Burnham about the possibility of the exhibition going on tour and Mark at the youth zone has made sure it is easily transportable."

The project received £500 from the Carlisle and Eden Community Safety Partnership.

The money has been used for materials and some prizes.

It has also been supported by the Francis C Scott Trust.

Jane added: "We would also like to thank Carlisle Mind for their advice."

The exhibition was launched on Thursday night at Tullie House.

It is running in the community room and community case until February 8.

* A band night, organised by Lisa's Legacy, to raise funds for the youth zone and Mencap takes place in the Tithe Barn in Carlisle on February 3 from 7.30pm.