Charity’s mural brings colour in dark times
A Perth-based charity has managed to inject some colour into dark times.
Churches Action for the Homeless (CHAS) encourages and promotes the development and delivery of projects to relive homelessness and poor housing, improve the conditions of life and generally aid the development of people who are homeless in the Perth and Kinross area.
The CATH day centre normally provides a drop-in service, but it has been forced to adapt during the pandemic and lockdown.
CATH has an adult literacy project engaging people in activities, providing support for learning and developing skills.
Some activities have sadly been put on hold due to the pandemic.
But one activity that was able to be delivered safely was creating a bright colourful mural on the outside back of the building.
It provided the opportunity for isolated service users to engage and connect with this painting challenge and literally be part of a bigger picture.
Explaining the background of the mural Monica Paton, adult literacy worker at CATH, told the PA: “It provided the opportunity for isolated service users to engage and connect with this painting challenge and literally be part of a bigger picture.
“This was delivered on a one-toone basis offering support, building confidence and improving mental wellbeing.
“The bright, colourful mural took 14 weeks to complete and it depicts activities from the past and symbolises hope for the future.
“It’s bright and cheerful and a bit of light relief in these difficult times.”
Like many services CATH has had to find new ways to support its users during the past year.
The charity gives people in need of support access to hot food, showers,laundry facilities, social gatherings and activities.
Much of that has had to change, but the message from Monica is clear: “We are still here for people.”
She added: “The day centre continues to provide hot meals and support for people in need but this is now in the form of takeaway meals and there are strict regulations in place.”