A COLOURFUL light exhibition has arrived at intu Merry Hill ahead of Mental Health Day tomorrow (October 10) to help shoppers feel happy, relaxed and uplifted at the centre.

Mall bosses have brought together, artists, psychologists and designers to create an installation that consists of three glowing light houses featuring colour combinations which aim to make visitors feel happier, calmer or more energised.

The Light House Experience, located near Mango on the lower mall, comprises a calm house, a happy house and an energise house.

It is free to explore and will operate with social distancing and safety measures in place.

Rachael Jackson, general manager at intu Merry Hill, said: “With mental wellbeing now more important than ever before, we’re pleased to have brought The Light House Experience to the centre, which we hope will brighten up a lot of people’s days and help our visitors leave happier and more relaxed than when they arrived.

“Of course, safety throughout the centre and during the experience is our top priority and we continue to work hard to ensure that intu Merry Hill is a safe place to visit.”

Hand sanitiser will be available throughout, and visitors are encouraged to attend in single household groups.

The attraction will be at the centre until October 20 and visitors are invited to share any pictures taken during the experience using the hashtag #ColourMyMood.

Sandra Vaughan, chief executive for mental health charity Dudley Mind, said: “The Light House Experience is a really interesting and innovative exhibition, which highlights that colour can play a massive part in lifting our mood and invoking happiness.

“This year has been challenging for many and as we approach winter, it is very important that we have something to latch on to during the darker nights and the Light House Experience is one of those things that can really help. We would encourage people to go and experience the three different areas of the exhibition and see how it makes them feel and behave.”

The new mood boosting experience follows a number of initiatives launched by intu Merry Hill this year including ‘Chatty Chairs’, launched in partnership with Dudley Mind, to encourage people to be more open about mental health and to raise awareness of conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Throughout the pandemic, staff and volunteers at Dudley Mind have been working to provide support for people facing mental health challenges and the charity’s phone lines remain open every day of the week.

For advice and support people can call Dudley Mind on 01384 442938.