People supported by Hamelin Trust have created a vibrant art mural to spread some joy within the local community of Billericay.
They wanted to brighten up the outside of our centre in Radford Crescent by creating something that showed what Hamelin Trust means to them.
They worked with local artist and volunteer Donna St. Pierre to come up with a rainbow and tree design which resembles love, friendship and inclusivity.
They brought the mural to life during a six-month project with help from Brentwood School students who visit the charity once a week as part of their Voluntary Service Activity programme.
The mural is made up of three individual interlocking wooden panels. The rainbow base and silhouettes are painted, while the tree is a mosaic made from pieces of old magazines, giving it depth and texture. The leaves are primarily made from the hand prints of people the charity supports, staff and volunteers.
The original mural has been installed inside the building and a replica print put up outside for the local community to enjoy.
It was unveiled the Deputy Lieutenant of Essex, Mr John Griffith-Jones. The Essex Lieutenancy represent His Majesty the King in the county, helping to create a spirit of co-operation, encouraging voluntary service, and supporting the social life of Essex.
After the unveiling, the Deputy Lieutenant said he was ‘overwhelmed’ by the mural and congratulated everyone on their efforts.
He said: “The mural is fantastic as is the work Hamelin Trust does in the local community. I can safely say that without charities which support people, the country would not be what it is today. The extra support of volunteers just make things that little bit special and I’m very proud to be here.”
Hamelin Trust’s Chief Executive, Ru Watkins, joined the Deputy Lieutenant in unveiling the mural and said it showed what can be achieved when people work together in the community.
He said: “Hamelin Trust’s vision is to create compassionate communities where people live the life they choose. We can achieve this by working with our local community and doing things together.
“I am extremely grateful to Brentwood school and our volunteers for dedicating their time to achieve quite a remarkable masterpiece and look forward to involving our community in more projects in the future.
“As we look towards National Volunteers Week, which kicks off from 1st June, this mural serves as a reminder of the fantastic difference that volunteers can have, whether giving a little or a lot of their precious time to others.”
To find out more about Hamelin Trust or speak to the charity about volunteering, visit www.hamelintrust.org.uk or follow @HamelinTrust on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and TikTok.
