Woolwich Works exhibition to show artwork by vulnerable locals

An art exhibition opening at Woolwich Works this week will showcase work by local people who are experiencing homelessness, poverty, addiction and other issues.

The exhibition, which opens on Friday and runs through to Sunday, shows off work by people who have taken part in art therapy workshops held by Woolwich Service Users Project (WSUP), which aims to give practical help to people in need.

Some of the art will be available to buy, with the proceeds going towards WSUP services, which include hot meals, showers, haircuts, a laundry service and a clothing bank.

The downstairs Visitors Book Café will play host to X..hibition, where WSUP visitors explored the theme of democracy in sessions held at Woolwich Library earlier this year, with the aim of making sure they were registered to vote and had the right ID to do so.

Upstairs will be pieces that focused on the mental health and wellbeing of the charity’s users. Annette, one of those who took part in the art therapy with Stacey Lockelder, said: “I hated art  at school but this was fantastic. I never thought I’d do it but I only missed one of the ten sessions. It was good company, we all worked together. I’m glad I came, I’d do it again.”

The exhibition kicks off with a launch event this Thursday evening.