New mural adds colour to Seaforth community
A bright new outdoor mural, created by a volunteer in the grounds of homelessness charity Emmaus Merseyside, has brought a splash of colour to Seaforth.
On Tuesday 23 August, Vicki Fogarty from Devious Designs Tattoos in Ellesmere Port, volunteered to create the mural alongside formerly homeless people supported by Emmaus. The colourful mural depicts hands, hearts, flowers and butterflies, alongside messages related to Emmaus Merseyside and the charity’s founders.
Vicki said: “It was lovely to spend the day at Emmaus Merseyside working on the mural, chatting to their residents and hearing about their personal stories. I started supporting homelessness groups across Merseyside a few years ago. I do a couple of projects each year with positive messages to lift people’s moods, brighten spaces across the city and give back to people in need.”
Emmaus Merseyside is an award-winning charity that provides a home, training, work opportunities and individual support to people who have experienced homelessness. The charity’s community building in Seaforth is home for up to 28 formerly homeless people. Current residents got involved in the new murals creation and helped Vicki with painting.
Marc Bamber, Chief Operating Officer at Emmaus Merseyside, said: “It was great to welcome Vicki to our Emmaus Merseyside community and we’re very grateful for her kind support. The new mural is fantastic and celebrates our charity’s past whilst reminding us each day of our goals for the future.
“Not only did Vicki complete this mural free of charge, but she also involved some of our resident companions in the creative process, getting them to help with the spraying. Throughout the day, Vicki also took the time to chat to members of our local community who were passing by and took an interest in the project.”
The mural can be viewed at Emmaus Merseyside’s community building on School Lane, close to Seaforth and Litherland Train Station.
To find out more and get involved as a volunteer with Emmaus Merseyside visit: https://emmaus.org.uk/merseyside/volunteer-roles
About Emmaus
Emmaus supports formerly homeless people by giving them a home, meaningful work in a social enterprise and an opportunity to regain lost self-esteem to help rebuild their lives. There are currently 30 Emmaus communities across the country, supporting more than 850 companions (formerly homeless people) in the UK. In addition, there are three Emmaus groups, all of which are working towards setting up an Emmaus community in their area.
Social enterprise is central to the Emmaus model as it provides meaningful work for companions but also generates funding to maintain communities. Companions living in Emmaus communities are expected to sign off all benefits, with the exception of housing benefit, which is used to help to support the community. The rest of the funding that is needed is generated through social enterprise and fundraising.
Emmaus communities deliver a significant return on investment. Research shows that for every £1 invested in a community, there is an £11 return, with savings to the benefits bill, health services and a reduction in crime reoffending.
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