THE Harris in Preston has launched a new gallery exploring how art can improve all our wellbeing.
A new partnership with Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust has also been created.
This autumn and winter the NHS's Lancashire Recovery College will be based at the Harris every Monday offering a programme of free wellbeing workshops - and everyone is invited to book.
In the new gallery visitors can take time to slow down and relax. There are a range of wellbeing activities on offer such as creative writing and mindfulness inspired by the Harris' art collections.
The gallery was developed through visitor consultation sessions - where local people were asked what sort of activities they'd like to see and what art works they find relaxing.
The results are on display and everyone will be asked for their feedback so the gallery can be further developed in the future.
Lancashire Recovery College will be based in the Harris each Monday. It will offer two free wellbeing courses - one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Courses include dealing with anxiety, art and chair-based exercise. Over lunchtime Recovery College staff and volunteers will be available, either in the gallery or in the Harris cafe, if visitors need a chat about living well or signposting to other wellbeing services in the region.
Caroline Donovan, chief executive at Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Health and Wellbeing is so important and is influenced by many factors.
"The Recovery College's free courses are accessible to everyone and provide an opportunity for people to explore many different activities and courses that could have a real benefit to their everyday lives. We are grateful to Preston City Council for making this space available to us."