Meet the Black Dogs
By Charlotte Fantelli
Hugo and his utterly Fabulous coat, designed by none other than Joanna Lumley, takes his place in Museum Gardens, Bethnal Green as SANE's Black Dogs stand proud across East London.
Joined by Horace, the first Black Dog created by the campaign, takes pride of place in Mile End Park, a move across the city from his recent location in Whitechapel.
These two mighty hounds will be joined in June by two other Canine pals, who will add to the Black Dog 'Tour' of East London.
Marjorie Wallace, chief executive officer of SANE says on their website: “A vicious circle is being created with cuts to mental health services coinciding with increased demand, especially for psychological counseling, leaving people with no-one to turn to at times of crisis.”
The dogs act as a powerful symbol, not only do they act as talking points and help combat stigma, they help point people towards help. Having such symbols openly shared in places of interest, acts as a great tool in helping people to open up about mental illness.
If you are in London, please do try and get to see these wonderful statues and show this campaign your support. If you miss them in east London, there are plenty of other opportunities to see the Black Dogs, as they travel to west London, then on south of the river.
