IT'S good talk - that's the message from Preston Community Arts Project (Prescap) to people with learning disabilities.

But it's not to encourage gossip or big telephone bills, the advice comes as a health tip for those who might not know what to do when they don't feel well.

And it's going out on two bright, colourful mini-cards with useful information in simple terms about how and where to get help.

The cards are to be distributed round day care centres and places where people with learning disabilities meet, so the word can be spread.

And the word on the card is: if you're feeling low, if you've got a headache, a cough or bruises, don't ignore it, talk about it!

PRESTON Community Arts Project was set up by former community artist Tom Buckroyd who died last month while holiday in Cornwall.

Tom and colleagues at the Walton Parade centre held a series of workshops for people with learning disabilities to discuss health topics and examine the educational material.

"We found a big gap in the information available healthwise for people with learning disabilities," explained Sharon Paulger, who works at Prescap where staff and volunteers use art to explore issues like health, disability and gender.

"This project has been designed by people with learning disabilities. It's aimed at others in the same position to pick up and read, and discuss with support workers."

The group created a collage of colour based on themes of minor illness and sexual health.

They then consulted health workers and the social services department before deciding exactly what messages should go with the cards.

The cards with simple but pertinent tips on what to do if you're feeling low or unsure about a sexual issue.

And they are to be launched on September 24 when Prescap will also hold a tribute to the projects pioneer Tom Buckroyd.

Prescap and visitors will create a spontaneous three dimensional mosaic objet d'art with all those present, adding their own little bit, be it a piece of household crockery, some small pieces of ceramics or a piece of treasure.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.