CHOCOLATE FOR CHANGE
Celebrating the skills of artists with learning and physical needs
After working with adults living with complex epilepsy, Becky Sheraidah was so inspired by each person’s unique artistic talents that she launched a charity. Based in Surrey, Arthouse Unlimited supports people who live with complex neurodiverse and physical needs, through art. ‘Most people I worked with were susceptible to social exclusion, so artistic skills weren’t recognised,’ Becky explains. ‘There were limited options for each person to gain a true sense of purpose. I knew that if we shared their talents, others would embrace each person for who they are.’
Arthouse sells the artwork and designs they make in the classes to sustain the charity, printed on homeware, like mugs and tea towels, and beautifully detailed chocolate bars. Working with a chocolatier in Somerset that uses ethically sourced cocoa, the charity helped develop flavours such as milk chocolate cheesecake, gold caramelised white chocolate, and dark chocolate with rosemary & almonds, while the artists designed the reusable golden wrappers. All of the proceeds go towards the art classes. ‘Watching artwork being sold boosts each person’s self-belief,’ Becky says. ‘Over the years, we’ve even seen a drop in the level of seizures, too. Most people have had serious operations from an early age, and often in and out of hospital. What’s outstanding is the artists’ incredible attitude to life; the joy and positivity so many share, even when each person has overcome adversity and experienced often unimaginable conditions. Care isn’t just about medical and physical; it’s emotional health, too. Being creative helps each person find calm – immersed in work, while joking with their teammates.’
One of Arthouse’s long-term artists, Stephen Thomson (pictured, bottom left), brings uplifting messages to his designs. He says, ‘I want to share messages like, “Believe in yourself. It doesn’t matter who you are.
We are all different”.’ As well as making exquisite chocolate with a wrapper you’ll want to frame, this charity proves that nobody should be limited by differences.
Watching artwork being sold boosts self-belief