24 August, 2026
It’s always great to see the many creative activities happening in our services and this month we heard from REACH-Dorset about its ‘Recovery Through Art’ exhibition, showcasing work by people supported by REACH’s drug and alcohol services.
Francisca Veale, who runs the program, said each person’s perception of what is art, or creativity, shows in their individual expressions of their thoughts and feelings.
“Using artistic expression as a vehicle on the pathway to recovery allows people to visualise what cannot be expressed in words, or simply allows their thoughts and feelings to calm down and relax whilst being engrossed in creative and artistic activities.
The simple act of creating something is almost transformative in itself. People often would not describe themselves as artists, but say: “I’m not good at art.” However, when they look at the product of their creativity, they feel proud, a sense of achievement, and uplifted by the positive experience. Creative expressions are a path to healing.”
The Reach Art group allows people to connect and share their lived experiences of recovery and healing through supporting each other as well as through creative expression and learning new skills. More artwork from REACH as can a stunning mural at Together – Devon planned, designed and painted by people supported at Riverside Court, animal collages from Sara at Braeside and some wonderful poetry by Big Ben!
Whatever your preferred way of creative expression, we always love to see the different creative sparks from throughout the Waythrough community.
David Mitchell – Re Create
ABOVE: The Together-Devon co-produced mural looks fantastic! The group room was looking a little drab, so this was planned, designed and painted by a very dedicated group of people we support at Riverside Court
BELOW: 1. Shell painting by people supported by REACH-Dorset for International Women’s Day earlier this year
2. Two lovely collages created by Sara, a resident in our Braeside service; one for her mum’s birthday featuring all of the dogs her mum has owned, and one for Sara to put on her wall showcasing her love of horses.
And previously…..
9 June, 2026
Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June) gave us a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate the incredible people who give their time, skills and compassion to support Waythrough’s work.
In the South West, five volunteers joined staff at Pippins Community Centre in Axminster, home to our Together drop-in service, for an afternoon of conversation, reflection and thanks. They represented a much bigger team of 23 active volunteers who collectively contribute many hundreds of hours every year to Together, Reach and the wider work of Waythrough.
Aquarius held its volunteers’ event in the Midlands, and there were events in London, the North East and Leeds, plus the online presentation of the Waythrough Volunteer Awards.
The stories shared during the events highlighted just how powerful volunteering can be, not only for the people receiving support, but for the volunteers themselves.
Also featured here on our Main Stage, some fabulous art and craftwork, including a particularly moving gesture by one of our residents in Weston-Super-Mare.
GET INVOLVED IN OUR SUMMER THEME!
This being a World Cup football year, with the 2026 tournament kicking off in Mexico, the US and Canada this week, our summer theme has an international flavour, and you don’t have to be interested in football for this one! Maybe you’d like to write a poem or piece of prose related to one of the 48 participating countries, cook some delicious cuisine or do an arts/crafts exercise based on the nations’ flags.
There are endless possibilities so don’t be limited by our suggestions, as always these are mere prompts, and whatever your preferred way of creative expression, we always love to see the different creative sparks from throughout the Waythrough community.
David Mitchell – Re Create
Hi Everyone –
It isn’t often I get let out the cupboard but I’ve snuck in here to share a piece of news that I know David will be too modest to mention.
Regular Re-Create visitors will know David from his current and previous posts on this site – as far back as Summer 2022 – encouraging members of our Waythrough communities to share their creative spark as chief prompt, editor, technical support and arts engagement officer.
(This counts as one of his volunteer roles, I won’t embarrass David with a list.)
But I do want to say a big THANK YOU! and a huge WELL DONE! for being nominated for, and receiving, the Volunteer Respect Award in this year’s Volunteer Awards in Waythrough. Respect indeed!
Almost as good as Ipswich being promoted to the Premier?
I’ll let David decide that one…
Danny (‘umble sub-editor)
Residents at Braeside, our residential service in Weston-super-Mare, have been very creative lately. Sara, who loves ponies, made this beautiful drawing of a horse for her support workers.
And in a touching tribute to fellow resident Holly who sadly passed away recently, Jake Lawrance crafted this beautiful wooden memory box (right), engraved with her name and presented as a gift to her family.
Meanwhile at REACH – Dorset, one of the service’s art volunteers created ‘The Night in the Ward’ (below) to process his journey of healing.
