Oldham Youth Invited to Share Mental Health Spaces for 2026

Oldham children have until 20 March to tell mental-health workers exactly where they feel calm, safe and welcome, and the answers will shape a public exhibition at Manchester's Horsfall gallery this summer. The call-out, timed to Children's Mental Health Week earlier this month, invites poems, photos, short films or paintings that capture the spots-parks, bedrooms, youth clubs, even a corner shop-that steady their mood.

The 42nd Street charity, which runs the Horsfall on Great Ancoats Street, says every entry will be considered for display during its annual 'The Future is Ours' festival. No-one needs to live in Manchester to take part; the organisers simply want honest snapshots of what 'belonging' looks like to Greater Manchester youngsters.

They are especially keen to hear why some places are off-limits. If a bus fare, opening hours or safety worries stop teens visiting a favourite skate bowl or library, they want that barrier written on the back of the postcard or in the video caption. The gathered gripes will be handed to council and transport planners who work with 42nd Street.

Artists who want to submit sculptures, textiles or large canvases are asked to email first so staff can arrange storage; digital files can be sent straight to [email protected]. The whole project borrows Place2Be's 2026 theme, 'This Is My Place', which puts friendships and inclusive design at the centre of children's wellbeing.