MEMBERS of a long-running Evesham group are celebrating after becoming one of the latest recipients of a funding boost from Tesco’s Bags of Help community grant scheme.
The Garage Art Group scooped £1,000 following votes from shoppers at the town’s Worcester Road store over the last month which saw it compete for a share of the windfall from carrier bag sales with two other local causes.
Established in 1991, the group runs art groups for people with learning difficulties, mental health and the general public in Evesham and Malvern to enable more independent living.
Evidence shows art can often improve an person’s sense of positivity and well-being. Art can play a vital role in the recovery and maintenance of health.
The group tailor’s programmes to meet the individual needs of the student and members of the public.
Along with the many different art groups they run such after school groups, Sunday lunch groups, singing groups are new groups like a games club and evening art sessions.
Their core philosophy is on the benefit of Art to Health. They work in partnership with organisations which have similar aims and objectives, such as Waterside psychiatric day hospital, MIND and independent living associations.
Regular student Mark Williams, said: “We are a self-funded group and without the wonderful support of Tesco’s and their customers we would be unable to continue the valued work we do.”
Fellow visitor Danny Walker said: “Garage Art has a fantastic reputation for tutor based sessions with permanent professionals and workshops with artists such as Rosemary Frith sharing their expertise.
Lindsay Roach, Community Champion at Tesco Evesham, presented the cheque on behalf of Tesco and said: “Groups like Garage Art are grateful for the support the customers give by voting when they shop with the blue tokens so we ask all customers to cast their votes when shopping because it can make a huge difference.”
Call Pam White on 07933512210 for more information about the group.
Visit www.tesco.com/bagsofhelp for more information on the scheme and how to nominate a local cause.
