Children’s artwork brightens up lives during pandemic
By Melissa Kasule
Joy came knocking at residents’ doors amidst the pandemic with delivered artwork from nursery children and live performances.
Children from Coin Street Nursery, in Stamford Street, Southwark, created artwork for residents in Lambeth and Southwark struggling to connect with their local community during the pandemic.
Family Volunteering Club partnered with MYsocial and Coin Street Nursery in an effort to connect local children with isolated members of the community.
Inspired by Michelle Robinson’s book The World Made a Rainbow, the children at Coin Street Nursery were taught the importance of community and friendship.
Supported by Comic Relief’s Community Fund, on Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1, the Family Volunteering Club made Covid-safe visits to residents’ homes to deliver the original artworks from the children.
Residents were also treated to special live performances from singers Peter Edge and Elliott Morris, as well as a spoken word from writer and poet Lola Oh.
Jane Christofi, head of Early Years education at Coin Street Nursery, said: “The children in the nursery had a fantastic, fun time creating works of art to share with the participants.
“This is the first in our intergenerational projects and we were really proud to be part of such a fantastic project bringing members of our community closer together.
“The children will be so excited to see the photos from the day. The look on the participants’ faces will be a joy to share with the children and families.”
MYsocial is part of Age UK Lambeth and aims to bring people together to try new things, develop friendships and feel part of a community.
Through Age UK Lambeth the team located a number of individuals without regular access to computers who became participants of the project.
The Family Volunteering Club creates volunteering opportunities which connect families with local causes.
Pictured top: A resident receives artwork from Coin Street Nursery and, right, Baritone Peter Edge performs to residents (Picture: Zara Harris)
