Environmental art will be the focus of a new project to help people with mental health problems develop new skills.

Kirkgate Studios and Workshops in Shipley, has been awarded £70,000 to fund the Out There project, by Ecominds, a grants programme run by the Mind mental health charity.

People can get involved in art-based gardening in their communities and help make a piece of public art.

Research by Mind has found outdoor exercise can be very beneficial to people with mental health problems.

A study by the charity found after a country walk, 90 per cent of participants had increased self-esteem and 71 per cent reported less feelings of depression.

Claire Wellesley-Smith, project co-ordinator, said: “The grant will be invaluable in helping to transform the lives of Bradford’s residents who are experiencing mental distress.”

Barry Watts, grants manager at Ecominds, said: “What we liked about this was we could see how it would directly benefit the future of people with mental health problems.”

The Out There project will start at Kirkgate Studios and Workshops on Thurs-day, May 20.

It will run between 1pm and 3pm, for 20 weeks. It is free, but booking is required. For details call (01274) 598928.