The Pop Up Art (PUA) project currently at the Social Enterprise Hub in Downpatrick has grown considerably to become a very successful non-profit company, Life Change Changes Lives (LCCL), addressing the needs of many people affected by mental health and addiction issues.
But now it faces its own key issue of its phenomenal growth… a new premises is required by March 2017. On this date the Downpatrick Hub will cease.
Pop Up Art has now morphed into a many-sided project called Life Change Changes Lives (LCCL) covering an addictions’ recovery group which is a women’s group (Unity in Recovery), and a sowing group (Make Do And Mend). The latter group focuses on traditional sewing very familiar decades ago and this activity is driven by a retired superintendent nurse and volunteer.
They work across generations and reach out into schools and explain how for example to repair clothes. One of the key aims of this group is to help remove social isolation particularly in situations where people are affected by a bereavement.
Speaking to Down News, Ailish Teague, one of the founders of the Life Change Changes Lives project along with her husband Manus, said they have given their time and energy relentlessly as volunteers over the last two years and have seen the project flourish.
Ailish added: “Life Change Changes Lives  is based in The Downpatrick Social Enterprise Hub in The Grove Shopping Centre and reaches out across the areas of Crossgar, Killyleagh, Newcastle and Castlewellan.
“Our projects include: Pop Up Art, Unity in Recovery and Make Do and Mend. To date, we have had over 200 individuals with varying levels of need coming through our doors. And we have a steady stream coming in every day participating in the up-cycling furniture projects which helps sustainability.
“All of our work is currently undertaken by unpaid voluntary workers. We were delighted when LCCL was nominated in two categories at the Social Enterprise NI Awards which took place at Stormont Hotel on Thursday 20 October. This is a exceptional achievement for a newly established voluntary organisation.
“We take referrals from GP’s, Social Services, Education and Addictions Units and also people just pop in on their own. We aim to help people with basic practical life skills, and self-disciple in a safe environment. Counselling services are also provided, along with mentoring, life coaching and work skills. And we have a partner with the Health and Wellbeing Company who provide alternative therapy services to our clients.
“On Thursday 14 October Life Changes also held an awareness event at Eclipse Cinema, Downpatrick. We invited local business owners, community residents, mental health workers and representatives from all government parties.
“The evening was a huge success. It included personal stories, musical entertainment and videos showing the growth of the project since it began in 2013. Seven members from our various projects shared their experiences of how it has helped them in their recovery with matters including addiction, isolation and mental health.
“Two young women shared how Unity in Recovery is helping them to stay sober from alcohol and prescription drug addiction. The support and friendships they have built over a short period of time at The Hub has immensely improved the quality of their lives.
“And a successful businessman shared how alcohol took a hold on his family pushing him close to losing everything important to him including his family, friends, home and job. The project provided him with counselling and support to change his life choices.
“A teenage girl had us close to tears.. tears of joy… as she described the process of change that has taken place in her life with the help and guidance she has received since becoming a member. Sadly, one of many young people who had very little chance in life through no fault of her own.
“This event was run to raise awareness of our projects within the wider Downpatrick community and local government partnership agencies.
“It was also a social evening and those present enjoyed the musical entertainment provided The Space NI, another successful project also based at The Hub. The outstanding performers were Bronagh Lennon, Matthew Degans and Fionnbharr Teague. Our MC for the evening was our volunteer and two time All-Ireland medal winner Conor Deegan. I would just like to thank everyone for coming to this great evening and thank those who made it all possible.”
Volunteer Niamh Deegan said: “Your health is your wealth. We do play an important role in providing some short counselling services and a listening ear to many. A significant number of our members are recovering from addictions as well as having mental health issues and need specialist help which we provide.
“In turn sometimes these members influence others to get on the path to better health and this aspect of social interaction is vitally important and very therapeutic.”
Founder Manus Teague said: “Life Changes and its projects now require new premises in the centre of Downpatrick urgently. Our funded premises will end in March 2017 and sadly we have no government funding as yet. There is a very real risk to the welfare of people in our community unless we find affordable premises soon.
“We are applying for funding and are awaiting the outcome of those applications. If you or someone you know can help assist us in finding premises or can help us financially, please do get in touch.
“We had a very successful visit and presentation in the Long Hall in Stormont a year ago, but we need our politicians especially our local MLA’s to back us up. We need all the help we can get to keep this valuable service going.
“There is an epidemic of Mental Health and addiction issues in our community. And we are committed to supporting those in need even if we don’t have the funding and strategic support we should have for our vital service. We help people to help other people get back to health.”
