Tuesday 1 August 2006
Home is where the art is

Young adults put their artistic talents on display as they showed how they have overcome life's challenges.

Residents at the Bedford Foyer, run by bpha, showed off their creative skills as visitors were invited to an open day at the centre in Conduit Road.

The centrepiece was a large artwork, entitled Mountains and Molehills. Residents had attached moles to a cut-out of a mountain, each bearing a short message telling how they had overcome problems.

Liz May, Foyer manager, said: "The open day was an opportunity for people to come and see what we are all about. Visitors had a chance to tour the centre and chat to some of the residents about their experiences.

"Art sessions are among the activities we provide and this event enabled the residents to show off their achievements.

"The Mountains and Molehills artwork helped residents to focus on the positive aspects of their lives, to show how they have been able to overcome challenges either with the help of the Foyer or on their own terms."

Other artwork included a display of handprints and motivational mottos.

The Bedford Foyer offers affordable accommodation for young people aged 16-24 and in need.

In addition to offering a place to stay, Foyer staff are on hand 24-hours a day with advice and support on topics from benefit claims and resettlement to computer training and life skills sessions.

On-site support agencies also provide residents with opportunities to get back into education and work.

Patricia Haggerwood, 21, was among the residents showcasing the artwork to visitors. Patricia said: "The art sessions are a great opportunity to sit down and socialise with other residents.

"You often find that people congregate at the cyber café to use the computers, but it is not the same as sitting together to do artwork, where there is more opportunity to talk.

"The Foyer is a great place to be and hopefully visitors to the open day were able to get a sense of that."