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Group Statement

Heworth Art and Relaxation Project began to take shape in 2000 as part of an art group based at Heworth Day Centre. The day centre was founded by the local authority to help adults with mental health issues.

The group was formalized by Frank Parker, Pam Goddard and Judith Dourish. The group worked on long term projects and formed a working schedule to cover a number of different activities. With time Judith Dourish began to play a more prominent role within the group and began to organise and run the sessions. In 2000 Judith completed a BAhons degree at Sunderland University and began to use her knowledge to teach others. The group proved to be very successful and continued beyond the centre closures in 2004. The group resolved to carry on in some form and as part of the authorities Community Bridge Building policy the group were helped to relocate to Thomas Hepburn School in Felling.

The group has now existed as a separate entity for nearly 8 years. The group was funded by the local authority and in the past year the group was awarded a grant by Gateshead Council which has enabled the group to have its first exhibition and to be able to work with other artists such as Torquill Anderson, Helen Donnelly (Northern Print) and mosaic artist Janie Banks.

The group aims to promote art as a relaxing therapeutic tool. Through means of self expression, the group hopes to help each individual find a process, where at least creatively, they may be able to cope with personal issues by the therapeutic use of art.

They also intend to help each member of the group improve and develop their individual artistic skills. Through the use of qualified teachers the group will encourage members to learn new processes and develop their appreciation of art in general. This will include visits to exhibitions as well as technical advice.

Weblinks

General

General Web Links.

Gateshead MBC (14)

The website of Gateshead Council.

M I N D (9)

Mind helps people take control of their mental health. They do this by providing high-quality information and advice, and campaigning to promote and protect good mental health for everyone.

Sherburn House (9)

Sherburn House Charity is located just 2 miles south-east of Durham City in the north-east of England. Also known as Christ's Hospital in Sherburn and simply as Sherburn Hospital, the charity exists to provide residential care and sheltered housing to elderly residents and former residents of the north-east of England.

Welcome

 Heworth Art and Relaxation Project (HARP) is an art based activity group for people with enduring mental health issues. It began in the late 90's when members of the group were attending Heworth Day Centre and decided that they would like to form their own independent group. In August 2005 the group moved to Thomas Hepburn Community School alongside other community groups. Initially the group was funded by Gateshead Council but over the last year have managed to secure their own funding. In 2011 the group moved to Worchester Green club house in Gateshead.

 Heworth Art and Relaxation Project is currently or has been supported and funded by the following organisations.