Community art group giving light to the vulnerable in these dark times

Community Arts by ZK has had to adapt its work due to the crisis, by offering members of the public the chance to get creative through its social media and online channels.

As well as visiting care homes, the group is running online workshops every Monday and is inviting anyone interested to take part.

Managing director Zaneb Khatun said: "We use our art project to support the mental health and wellbeing of people in our community during this crisis.

"We have witnessed the impact of COVID-19 on people’s lives through illness and the loss of family members and friends which has been devastating. People have lost their jobs or experienced a reduction in their income.

"School closures have affected children’s education and reduced their opportunities to socialise, be creative and have fun. Communities have had to adapt to social distancing and experienced isolation and loneliness and this has been especially challenging for vulnerable groups.

"Our project will give people the opportunity to be creative, to express their feelings and emotions and begin the healing process. Community Arts by ZK is delivering a project called 'Covid-19 Art Hub'.

"Each workshop will be different and adapted to each individual or family’s need. Clear instructions will be demonstrated on our website and social media platform through images and videos.

"We will work with care homes, families and the most vulnerable who are shielding or self-isolating. This will bring the community together as they share their creations on our website and social media to inspire each other, stay connected and stimulate new ways of working and learning through these difficult times.

"It is our intention that this project will bring hope, comfort and have a positive impact in our community. A key focus will be on wellbeing, using arts as a tool to allow people to express their feelings through creativity. This can help them to deal with stress, relieve tension and depression, loneliness, sadness and anxiety and in its place create something beautiful.

"Creating art has been shown to have many life-enhancing qualities at personal and social levels. It has the ability to pull together genuine personal experience and allow it to speak without judgements being made. It is our intention that this project is open to all regardless of age or ability.

"The benefits are seen in how art allows us to express feelings that we have a hard time putting into words. We will work with people from all different backgrounds."

Anyone interested can visit http://www.communityartsbyzk.co.uk/