CREATIVE students have been putting their pens to paper in a bid to stamp out the stigma associated with mental health and wellbeing.

Around 40 fine art, graphic design and photography students at Darlington College have designed the posters that will be displayed in the town and shared on social media.

Ten of the most hard-hitting and thought-provoking designs have been chosen by representatives from Darlington Borough Council and Clear Channel advertising, with six of those set to be displayed in town centre bus stops.

The NHS Darlington’s Future in Mind fund will cover costs of reproducing the large-scale posters that promote mental health awareness and offer advice to young people who may need help.

Rachel Osbaldeston, Darlington Borough Council public health portfolio lead helped to choose the final six posters and she said: “One in ten young people experience mental health issues and one in four adults are affected in any given year.

“Social media, bullying and exam pressure can all increase the risk of developing low level anxiety, depression and other associated issues.

“The students have created eye catching designs and incorporated hard hitting messages to appeal to young people.

“It is easy to imagine any of them displayed on a bus shelter.”

The posters will also be displayed outside Darlington College, off Haughton Road, for six weeks and throughout the festive period.

Joe Bell, a Darlington College student and creator of one of the six winning designs, said: “This was a great opportunity to work on a live advertising campaign, with a client to a design brief with deadlines.

“I have learned loads, have a great addition to my portfolio and am so proud my design will be displayed on bus stops in the town.

“I hope the posters make an impact and help people.”

All posters designed during the initiative will boost a social media campaign to reach as many young people as possible.

Darlington College tutor, Pippa Eeles, said: “All students have worked extremely hard and I am delighted with the range of media they have used, including drawing, painting, photography and Photoshop, on what has been a challenging project.”