Robot Village aims to brighten people’s day and help mental health
Vale Park has unveiled a new Robot Village that aims to brighten people’s day and show that everyone matters.
The model figures, built by Men Too Merseyside - a charity to help men with their well-being and mental health - can be enjoyed by visitors in the popular Fairy Garden.
Made from recycled materials, each robot is inspired by neurodiversity, mental health and disability. They represent a different experience or condition, including autism, dyslexia, physical disability, ADHD and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The robots were built over several weeks through workshops that encouraged conversation around difficult subjects with those involved.
Men Too Merseyside - based on Argyle Street in Birkenhead - held a photoshoot with the robots and created a short, child-friendly film named A Bots’ Day Out which promotes mental health awareness, suicide prevention and the importance of creative expression.
To help more people benefit from the project, the group have donated the robots to Vale Park in New Brighton, with positive affirmations placed next to them.
They were unveiled at an opening ceremony attended by the Mayor of Wirral, Councillor Mary Jordan, with the hope of bringing a smile to anyone having a difficult time and reminding people they are not alone.
These are a wonderful addition to the Fairy Garden in Vale Park.
They can help brighten someone's day, educate children and encourage conversations about important topics that can sometimes be difficult to discuss.
I am sure visitors will take great pleasure in viewing the robots and benefit from the messages and stories they share.
Whether someone is having the best day of their life or one of the hardest, we hope these colourful characters remind them that they matter, they’re not alone, and that there is always hope.
We have put affirmations next to each robot for anyone who might be having a bad day, while children can enjoy the positive messages and stories they share.
The project also demonstrates the power of creativity to open up conversations about difficult subjects.
The men loved getting hands-on and working on the robots. That's why we wanted to donate them to Vale Park and make sure they continue to have a positive impact in the community.
Vale Park recently retained its Green Flag status. It is one of 37 spaces awarded to Wirral parks and green spaces – more than any other area in the North West.
