The BBC reports that for five days a week the art studio at Headway East London, set within a railway arch in Hackney, comes to life with people acquiring new skills and producing artwork.
Many had shown little or no interest in art until they were injured and invited into the studio.
Each member of Headway East London acquired their injuries as an adult. Some as a result of violent assaults, car crashes or meningitis, while others are from less common causes including hypoxia – a suffocation injury.
Ben Graham from Headway, the brain injury association says: “Quite a few of the people we’re tending to see can’t do their former jobs, or their relationships have broken down or maybe they’re the parent but need caring for themselves.”
Headway East London started in 1997 with one therapist and a single client. It’s since grown and offers a variety of services. Rather than short-term rehabilitation with a discharge date it hopes to offer support as long as is needed; helping to redefine the person and giving them a positive outlook and productive use of their time.
The exhibition runs until 23rd February at Stratford Circus Arts Centre. For more information about the exhibition, click here.
