A Paisley-based art project is helping to tackle isolation and boost mental health in the community.
Rebecca Livesey-Wright, project coordinator for EVOLVE, was speaking out after another successful fun day hosted at Mckerrell Street play park.
And she stressed the importance of art and how it can benefit people, especially in the aftermath of isolation that may have been caused due to lockdown.
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Rebecca said:“ Getting people out of the house after lockdown was one of our aims as we want them to come and socialise.
“We understand that some of the workshops that we put on can seem daunting and not apply to everyone, so this is why this community day was in place.
“It is less intense and people can come and go whenever they like.”
The latest event - the project’s sixth fun day in Seedhill - saw arty folk of all ages get in on the action to create their own masterpieces.
Rebecca said it was a “busy day” overall and she is glad everyone had fun.
She said: “It was such a good turnout by everyone and they all seemed have enjoyed themselves, with most people getting stuck in.
“It was a busy day for us, but it was one that we absolutely loved and the feeling you get from doing events like this is just amazing.
“I overheard a mum speaking to her child and they couldn’t believe that they had spent two hours at the event and that the time had flown in”
The project leader added that members of the community who went along were “brilliant” and she was really moved by one who offered to help out.
The woman - called Kathy - is a card creator and took her tools along to the event to give people a chance to make cards with her help.
Rebecca added: “The community members who attend really seemed to have loved it, along with the children who created great masterpieces.
“We have a member of the community that is a card maker bring her stuff down to the event and pass on her skills to other people.
“We absolutely loved that.”
EVOLVE’s next event, which is still in the planning, will be held in November where they are looking to create an illumination-themed night where people can create their own glow-in-the-dark items.
For more information visit: www.rigarts.org/evolve-seedhill/
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