It’s well known that the practice of expressive and colourful artmaking helps people – and communities – connect, engage and develop their wellbeing. This was one of the reasons why a recent volunteer project at our Community Rehabilitation Service in Bristol brought clients, staff and volunteers together to create a mural at Wellbridge House.

Peer Recovery Navigator Phoebe Horrocks, who led the project, said:

“Wellbridge House is a residential home where people are encouraged to work to identify and build on their own strengths and hopes.

The inspiration for this project sparked from research into participatory arts for wellbeing within healthcare settings. Through discussions with staff and clients, a stencil was designed to fill a four foot by eight foot plywood canvas, and the painting commenced.”

John, who joined our volunteering team after a friend of his spent time in hospital due to extreme anxiety, said the spray-painting project was a beautiful thing to be part of.

“It was a joy to be involved. Many clients were unfamiliar with spray-painting and were initially a little hesitant in their approach to creating. Through the use of an expressive design format, we encouraged clients to play, experiment, and unleash their inner creativity; forming a multi-layered, rich, evolving tapestry of images, symbols, and words.

After the canvas was well and truly filled, we peeled off the stencil to reveal the word ‘connection’, written across the piece, alongside the famous Bristol balloons and rolling hills.

Over a cup of tea afterwards, clients, Second Step staff and volunteers commented on the freedom they felt whilst expressing themselves, and some people were inspired to continue this work at home.

I am so happy with not only the result of this project, but the process of working as a community in connection with one another to create something beautiful.”

Volunteer Coordinator Jackson Cox said:

“There was a nice feeling of creativity and community. As the artwork came together, I was happy to see how everyone had immersed themselves in the project and how much fun everyone was having. It goes to show how good having an expressive outlet can be for your wellbeing especially if you are collaborating with others. I think everyone involved considers themselves somewhat of an artist now too!”

If you’d like to volunteer with Second Step, find out more.

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