The Pop Up Art project has been a huge success in Downpatrick to date but its founders are now looking for a new way forward so they can continue the excellent work that they are delivering for the many isolated and vulnerable people who come through their doors.
This Life Change Changes Lives project has grown from strength to strength over the period that the Social Enterprise Hub was open in The Grove in Downpatrick. When The Hub finally closes on 31st March, the Pop Up Art project will continue on in the same space. It covers a significant area of three shop units and every inch is fully utilised with members engaged in various art and craft projects, mainly up-cycling furniture and small household items.
Life Change Changes Lives provides diversionary therapy, recovery and improves life opportunities for vulnerable people, many of whom feel isolated.
The unmistakeable buzz that characterises the Pop Up Art project which is the main plank of Like Change Changes Lives, is a very powerful therapeutic environment where warmth and friendliness abounds. It is a place where people who are isolated and vulnerable heal over a period of weeks and months as they engage in various projects in a very social and comfortable setting.
Manus Teague and his wife Ailish set up Pop Up Art over two years ago and whilst the are upbeat about their achievements, they also expressed concerns for the project’s future.
Manus said: “We really took off over two years ago while The Hub was running and benefitted a lot from the help of the manager then, Stephen McClelland. But sadly it has closed now and we are the only group occupying the premises. Funding from the Department of Communities has closed up because of the political situation and the Executive which has yet to be formed may be able to release funding for us.
“So things are starting to look a bit difficult. There just seems to have been no exit strategy with The Social Enterprise Hub. It just closed its doors and some groups have folded and a couple of others continue under their own steam. I suppose that’s life. But I suppose it did ultimately create some benefits to the area in social and welfare styled projects.
“South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has been very helpful and has made representations for us on a number of occasions to different bodies in trying to find funding and a new premises. We are also indebted to our current landlord for his fantastic support in letting us stay on but this arrangement is just until May. So we need a short-term solution to keep the Pop Up Art project on the rails. We now have a fundraising strategy in place to address the problem which we will now be implementing.”
Margaret Ritchie MP ha sprained the work of Pop Up Art in Downpatrick. She said: “Pop Up Art along with other projects such as Make Do and Mend and Love Changes Changes Lives is driven by people such as Manus and Ailish Teague who have a desired objective to help those most in need of assistance. This project has grown from an acorn in Downpatrick and has helped and supported many individuals.
“It is now vitally important that the Northern Ireland Executive should be restored as a matter of priority to ensure that the various government departments can support such a worthwhile project which helps people who have or had mental illness; who are out of work due to economic circumstances and those who may have been in the criminal justice system. Equality and the human rights of everyone should be respected.
“In this respect, it is important that government departments step up to the plate and ensure the continuation of such a worthwhile project which benefits many people throughout the greater Downpatrick area”.
The Life Change Changes lives project provides therapy for many isolated and vulnerable people in the Downpatrick area. Manus explained that since its inception, the group has had over 200 people through its doors and most days there would be around fifteen plus people working of various projects. Manus also provides a counselling service and has clocked up an amazing 2000 hours in counselling so far. He said that an average counselling session could cost as much as over £30 per session for about an hour. So his contribution alone in counselling has been very considerable and has saved the taxpayer a small fortune.
Manus added: “The bottom line is that if we were to cease as an organisation, the state would have to absorb our clients and this will be a very costly business. For example, we managed to keep four people out of prison and they did not re-offend while they they were us. One has been clear of trouble with the justice system for over eight months. My wife Ailish managed to impress the Court on one occasion in one case and spoke up for one young female who is working now strict bail conditions. The young woman is now thriving instead of languishing in a prison. There is a huge built-in saving in what we do for the state justice system, but we need the ‘system’ to recognise this and recognise our organisation as a partner group and fund us accordingly.
“If we were paid the total of just two salaries, this would be recouperated through just two clients alone in a year. That is very cost effective! We resolve issues with the clients who are often referred to us from social workers, GP’s, psychiatrists, the police, Finneston House, Ward 15, the Cedar Foundation, and some too are self-referred.
“Basically, there is a growing fear that our clients could be let down if this project were to end. We cannot allow this to happen.”
Ailish Teague, the other founder of the project, said: “Some of the cases we get involved in are complex. We were called to one incident where there were four police, two police cars and an ambulance when a young woman was in great difficulties. We ended up going to the Ulster Hospital with her and ultimately providing the caring support that she needed when she was discharged.
“We have completed a social impact study and basically it is a ‘no-brainer’. The benefits of our project are overwhelming. For example, there are 90% less acts of self harm, there is a 50% reduction in depression or the need to attend health service professionals. And 75% of our clients actually get a qualification while they are with us. Basically, 100% say they feel less isolated and feel that their self-esteem and confidence has grown. Also most, who present themselves with addiction issues, say they are clear for at least three months.
“Quite simply, we are looking for help now to get our project secured and up to its next level. They will be a lot of hard work ahead, but that’s what we are here for. We are having an Easter clearance sale and also will have a street collection on Friday 8th April. A lot of very kind people have helped us out so far and we we feel indebted to them all. But we must drive on towards a new sustainable model if we are to succeed and survive.”
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The Life Change Changes Lives project is running a grand jumble sale on Saturday 10th April to clear some of the many art and craft items they have in stock. Most are some very colourful up-cycled painted furniture. This will be a great opportunity to grab a bargain and support this local charity. There will be a cake sale and an Easter Raffle. The draw will take place in The Hub on 10th April. And if you want to win a 5-foot teddy, call in and get a cuppa and enjoy the craic!
IF YOU WANT TO ORGANISE A FUNDRAISING EVENT OR COFFEE MORNING FOR POP UP ART, CONTACT MANUS OR AILISH AT THE HUB. YOUR HELP WOULD BE VERY MUCH APPRECIATED BY ALL!
