Volunteers at Bonny Downs Foodbank have started a weekly arts and crafts table where people can sit, colour and chat while waiting for their hot meal or a food parcel.

Mary Smith, with the support of Penny Stephens, Annemarie Williams and Jane Brown formed Food Bank Art in response to people’s need to re-connect after a difficult and lonely period from Covid-19.

The art table provides a therapeutic activity and sense of community to the food bank guests, thanks to the volunteers who provided colouring books, an open mind and listening ears. They have also introduced acrylic and watercolour painting, whilst providing colouring packs for children.

We interviewed Mary about her experience leading Food Bank Art. What impact did she feel it has had on the community? Mary said, “The art table has assisted clients of the food bank to feel part of a deeper family at a time when they felt emotionally low with multiple negative feelings building up. The therapeutic creative effect of colouring or painting along with a chat, a joke and a song can be comforting and uplifting for some people. We believe the guests leave the food bank in a happier frame of mind than when they arrived.”

She added, “Clients are less likely to come to the art table at first but after a few weeks they feel more secure and come. Some return for a meal and to paint even if they are not collecting food parcels. Some share parts of their problems and we offer a space for them to get it off their chest. We believe a problem shared is a problem halved.”

Mary and the team continue providing materials and encouraging participants to explore their creativity in a welcoming environment. Mary’s compassionate demeanour and attentive ear creates an atmosphere where everyone feels valued. She also adds an extra touch by sharing sweets and chocolates.

When asked for her reason for Food Bank Art, Mary replied, “We all have times in our lives where we need that quiet moment which can only be achieved if we can let go of our worrisome burdens or where we need a distraction from the constant nag of the daily grind. We all need validation that someone cares and that we are loved. The art table offers a way to do this. If one person walks with a little more bounce to their step, then I can live a little easier with my soul knowing I helped to make a difference in someone’s life.”

We asked Mary what her message would be to the community. She said, “I would urge support and recognition of the clients of the food bank. Circumstances in life often means there can be a very slim line between people who need to use food banks and those who do not. Everyone who uses these services are as worthy as us. Pastor Johnny explains it well with his acronym, PECK – Positivity, Encouragement, Caring and Kindness should be at the forefront of anyone who volunteers at a service like the food bank. We should never judge someone until you have walked a mile in their shoes.

As for any volunteer or supporter we need to realise that we all need appreciation for our clients and for each other. There is never a bad idea, only an inappropriate timing or lack of resource. That’s why we need people to manage and facilitate what can be done, but never undervalue or sneer at people’s contributions. Always be present and mindful of the true service being offered… which is to serve people and the simplest way to achieve this is to do it! A bit of paper and some crayons is the beginning of an art table while you begin to establish bonds and trust with the client. You do not need Derwent professional pencils to make a person feel better.

Everyone’s art is worthy whether simple lines and splodges or detailed colourful images, as it is a part of them! Just appreciate the line drawing, the portrait, the urban, the graffiti, the abstract as well as the classic or the landscape. Whatever is done is an expression of the client you serve and is worthy. This is often the encouragement and appreciation they need to go out the door feeling taller and straighter than when they arrived.

My ultimate wish for all who sit at the art table is to provide them with a tool to distance themselves momentarily from the daily spiral of worry. Through therapeutic creativity, we aim to give people the break they need to find solutions and take a step forward.”

The arts and crafts table is a place where people accessing the food bank come together to express themselves through the power of art. A dazzling display of artwork can be seen any time in the Church hall, showcasing the incredible progress made by everyone involved.

Join Food Bank Art every Wednesday from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at Bonny Downs Church. For more information, please see ‘What’s On’.