A photographic tribute to Caroline Flack features in a new West End open-air exhibition aiming to raise awareness of mental health.
Hundreds of famous faces feature in Take A Moment 2023, which shows them with their eyes closed in an attempt to inspire others to take time out for their mental health.
Members of the public are also being asked to send in a selfie with some being chosen to feature alongside the photographs on show at the Piccadilly Lights and in the National Portrait Gallery.
Photographer Ray Burmiston’s portraits include images of Brian Cox, Hannah Waddingham, Ellie Simmonds, Noel Fielding, Ruth Wilson, Aisling Bea, Damien Lewis and Emily Atack.
His picture of singer Olly Murs shows him closing his eyes with thousands of fans at Flackstock, the festival set-up in memory of the TV presenter who committed suicide in 2020.
Murs said: “This photo was taken on stage at Flackstock, after I asked the crowd to all close their eyes and take a moment, something most of us don’t do enough.
“It’s a powerful image that hopefully will remind people to check in on themselves more often. I couldn’t think of a more fitting place to capture this special moment with a very important message.”
Art of London Presents Take A Moment 2023 will be on show throughout the West End until October 13 with images also on show in the National Portrait Gallery from mid-September.
Professor Tim Kendall, NHS National Clinical Director for Mental Health for England, said: “At a time when the world is moving ever faster, with many of us working harder, trying to deliver tomorrow yesterday, the Take A Moment initiative reminds us to slow down, to step back, to stay still and just be.
“A simple action that can make such a difference to our collective emotional and mental wellbeing. And to people worried about their mental health, I want to say: help is available, you can start by checking the Every Mind Matters platform for advice and support, including from your local NHS services.”
* To take part in the exhibtion go to: Take A Moment - Raising awareness for mental health.
Anyone who needs support can call Samaritans free of charge on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website.
