Keen to improve the look of Middlesbrough town centre, local residents decided to seek funding to create a long-lasting, collaborative, community owned art piece that celebrated their town.

Over 100 people were involved in creating the Middlesbrough Community Mosaic, with small groups making contributions to the bigger art piece and meeting up as a whole group at different points in the project. People came together to support each other, make friends, combat loneliness, reduce isolation and find purpose in volunteering their time. 

“Getting to be creative was also relaxing and enjoyable for people,” says Sarah Falconer, “and there was an increased sense of pride for participants to see their work displayed and to know they’d played a part in improving some of the town centre. Feedback from participants was that they felt they could be creative even though they didn’t consider themselves a creative person.”

Here’s what two of the participants said about getting involved with Middlesbrough Community Mosaic:

“Coming to the mosaic sessions has helped me with my mental health. I suffer from depression but sessions like these help me not to focus on what is going on in my life and ‘forget’ my issues for a couple of hours. I come away feeling good about myself because I’ve accomplished something new, spent time with friendly people and also found that I can help others which has given me a purpose in life.”

“After a very tough year I was isolated and not only did I lose my friends, but I lost my confidence and had very low self esteem. It got to the point where I didn’t want to go out. I was introduced to the group and even though I had to really prepare myself, I made the decision to go by myself. I was welcomed in and my life has taken a turn for the better. I have made new friends and my confidence is increasing all the time. It has made a massive difference to my life as on days when I’m feeling down or lonely, I know I have something to look forward to.’

You can find out more via their website or follow them on Facebook

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