k u .co. mind our y think re #IFeelBetterWhen 5 Foreword W elcome to this fantastic collection of poetry, artwork and photography, all inspired by the words: “I Feel Better When I Am...” We are all familiar with the positive benefits that arts projects can bring to people’s mental health, and the Royal College of Psychiatrists has long been a supporter of mental health and the arts. Sixteen years ago The Royal College of Psychiatrists’ arts initiative ‘2001: A Mind Odyssey’ helped raise awareness of the therapeutic benefits of artistic expression, and since then has been involved in a number of mental health-themed plays, exhibitions and events. The book you are holding is a unique celebration of creativity and the mind, and bursts with messages of positivity, recovery and wellbeing. I have been hugely inspired by the winning submissions, and I hope other psychiatrists and mental health professionals will feel the same. Professor Dame Sue Bailey OBE DBE Immediate Past President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Chair, Academy of Medical Royal Colleges