A Coventry youth charity is set to help people reflect on their life using creative arts thanks to funding from the Coventry, Solihull & Warwickshire Fund.
Bardsley Youth Project has received £1,291 from the Foundation to host Peaced Together workshops at Coventry Foyer which is a supported housing service.
The sessions will help young people use crafts to reflect on their past, build up their confidence and look to a positive future.
Youth workers at Bardsley Youth Project, which is based at Bardsley House in the city centre and supports some of the most vulnerable 13 to 26-year-olds in the city, have received training in making cushions, scrap books, creating mosaic pots, weaving and decoupage.
They are now collecting donations of materials before launching the sessions at Coventry Foyer where the organisation holds drop in sessions every week.
So far this year the Foundation has distributed more than £91,000 to projects across the city since April this year.
Pat Clarke, from Bardsley Youth Project, said: “We wanted to launch an activity which gives young people a chance to reflect on their past hurt and show that they can have a positive future.
“Peaced Together shows that you can take something broken and make it into something beautiful, and the aim is to help those taking part see themselves in a better light.
“As it is a franchise, we had to go to London for the training and are currently in the process of pricing up the equipment we will need and collecting donations of fabrics and materials before officially launching the workshops.
“Heart of England Community Foundation has been one of our main funders over the years and we are extremely grateful for their support. As well as this latest grant, they are also supporting us with our Homeless Hub which helps young people struggling with homelessness.
“In April 2016 we were awarded a grant of £60,000 for a three-year project which not only provides young people with help and advice but also includes a food bank, clothing bank and furniture supplies for those moving into permanent accommodation.”
Tina Costello, CEO of the Foundation, said: “Bardsley Youth Project does an excellent job at supporting young people who need the most support in Coventry. Their latest project is not only a brilliant way to teach people new creative skills but also promotes a positive outlook.
“Although we support causes right across the Midlands, it is wonderful to work with so many organisations in our hometown and see the excellent work they are doing.”
For more information on Bardsley Youth Project click here.