At Bevan, we talk a lot about health and wellbeing. But there’s one part of our work that we don’t always talk about, even though it makes a huge difference.
Our art therapy sessions.
They’re open to Bevan patients, as well as some people from SHAP and the Salvation Army. Most of the people who come are adults with experience of rough sleeping, sex work, or leavers from care and prison systems. Many are young, aged 18 to 24, trying to rebuild their lives with very little support.
Art therapy gives them something solid to build from.
Some people come to develop new skills or explore creative careers. Others come to feel calmer, more confident, more connected. For most, it’s a mix of all of those things. The sessions help people bond with others their age, who’ve been through similar things. They help build trust – not just in each other, but in the services around them.
There’s no pressure to be ‘good’ at art. It’s about having space to try, to mess up, to start again and sometimes, to surprise yourself.
Already this year, the group have co-designed a new logo and branding for SHAP’s services. We are also working to find a graffiti artist to work with us to help brighten up a garden wall at a supported living home. We want it to be something colourful and bold that the service users can feel proud of every time they step outside.
They’re also preparing for their first ever Christmas market stall, where they’ll be selling some of the artwork and crafts they’ve made in sessions. It’s not just about raising money, it’s about showing the public what they’re capable of, and owning their talent.
Soon, their work will be on display at Leeds City Museum as part of a special exhibition – a huge moment for people who, not that long ago, may have felt completely invisible.
That’s why we regularly ask for donations of art supplies. Not just to keep the sessions running, but because they are imperative to helping people feel seen.