KIRSTY Langston, 24, and Brittany Abbott-Trangmar, 23, have been friends since they met at Stifford Clays primary school in 2008.
They went on to study graphic design together at Ravensbourne University of London.
During their final year they were asked to take on a mural project painting a bright and colourful mural in a basement level café, it was the start of many and in 2021 they created K&B Design.
Creating custom hand-painted murals for areas and spaces that need it the most, from the small interior of a salon to the large exterior of a town park. They believe artwork in public spaces is a great way of creating a joyful environment, uplifting people with colour.
Kirsty and Brittany are so passionate about engaging with the community and accessible art for the public that this year they are creating a custom mural for the residents of Thurrock.
For this year’s mental health awareness week w/c15.05.23, they are painting a mural at the cross keys on the year’s theme of anxiety.
‘The mural will show a person emerging from the darkness into the light, depicting the ups and downs of mental health and showing clearly there is light at the end of the tunnel. We wanted to show nature in the mural as we know going outside really makes a difference with anxiety and helps clear your head, similar with the dog, pets can also help many people when they are feeling lost or down. There is also a subtle head shape in the rocks, linking the mural to mind and showing clarity and the end of the journey.
We wanted to have ‘It’s ok to feel lost sometimes’ on the mural, to help normalise the low moments and to give people driving or walking by a supportive message.’ Brittany Abbott- Trangmar
Partnering and supporting Thurrock ad Brentwood Mind the artwork will become a permanent feature in Chadwell St Mary, on the side of the Cross Keys. The mural will feature a QR code which passers by can scan and get important information on anxiety, mental health and a fundraising page for Thurrock and Brentwood Mind services. Painting will commence Tuesday 9th May and will be finished at the start of Mental Health Awareness Week 15th May.
‘It was important to us to work with a local mental health charity when creating this for the community so Thurrock & Brentwood Mind were a perfect fit.
They make sure that everyone who experiences difficulties with their mental health gets the respect and support they need. They are there whenever support is needed and help those who are likely to develop mental health problems.
Mental health to us is just as important as physical health, we really want to highlight with our mural that going on a mental health journey is just as normal and can be even harder than a physical fitness one. Our mental health is imperative to our everyday functions and activities, and we feel it is so important to reduce the stigma around it.’ Kirsty Langston
‘We are so thrilled and excited that K&B designs have chosen to work with us on this project, their work and community spirit is fantastic. It’s great to see two young local girls be such great advocates for mental health. This is not the first time Brittany and Kirsty have advocated mental health, in 2021 they created a 30metre long nature mural in Riverside Park alongside volunteers from Thurrock and Brentwood Mind.
We know this is a difficult time for people with the cost-of-living crisis adding extra pressure to people’s lives. We have increased our projects and grown significantly since Covid-19 and want everyone to know we are available should you need some support, someone to listen or are in crisis. Mental Health can affect anyone at any time and there are so many ways we can help, we don’t want anyone to suffer alone.’ Nadine Winiberg-Bettell, Thurrock and Brentwood Mind.
This year Mental Health Awareness week is focussing on anxiety and Mind will be working to tackle the anxiety and stress the cost-of-living crisis causes for people. We want you to know that as the bills stack up and anxiety and stress takes over you are not alone, and we are here to help you in whatever way we can.
If you head to any of our Hubs, there will be leaflets and information on ways to help mentally cope with the stress of financial crisis and our staff are always happy to offer advice, listen and help you find the right services that could help.
You can also head to our national website for all the support available to you:
https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/speak-to-us/cost-of-living/
You can also call our reception to self refer or ask about our services: 01375 391411 or head to our website: www.thurrockandbrentwoodmind.org.uk
