An exhibition showcasing the artworks of care home residents is offering visitors an inspiring message this Autumn.
Bit by bit we’re getting there opens at Trowbridge Gardens in Hackney Wick at 2pm on 31 October, * with a special launch event giving the public a chance to meet the artists and enjoy their projects.**
Swapping Halloween horror for hope, the exhibition will display an array of paintings and textile pieces focused on the themes of determination, and overcoming mental health challenges.
The project came about after a local specialist mental health service teamed up with professional artist John Close to offer therapeutic art classes to residents. John has been leading the sessions at the service, known as Felstead Street for the last 15 years.
Felstead Street is run by the charitable housing association Look Ahead and supports people with complex mental health needs.
Participants have noticed a marked improvement in their wellbeing and quality of life and use the art as a means of expressing themselves. They also get the benefit of socialising with other residents.
Quotes:
Noriko Honda-Powell, Look Ahead’s service manager at Felstead Street said: “It is wonderful to see this exhibition go live. Bit by bit means so much to the people we support at Felstead Street. I have been awestruck by the fantastic achievements our residents have made, both in terms of the art they have created, and their personal successes in managing their mental health and wellbeing.”
A participant said that because of the art classes: “I got my confidence. I can express myself.”
For more information contact Edward Rowe on 07753 324664 or Kate Bawden on 07581 145741.
Notes to editors
* The exhibition is open until 24 November, at Trowbridge Gardens, 1 Trowbridge Road, E9 5LD.
** The launch event is from 4pm – 6pm, RSVP to Noriko on [email protected]
About Look Ahead
Look Ahead provides supported housing and social care services for people who have a range of needs in local communities across London and the South East. Our services include integrated care, support and housing for four main groups: people with mental health needs; people living with learning disabilities and autism; young people and people with experience of care; and people with experience of homelessness and other complex needs.
