A mural jointly painted by residents of Wesley Frank Vickery Village and clients of Wesley LifeSkills Woolooware disability services program was unveiled recently.
Residents of the village and clients of Wesley LifeSkills Woolooware are part of a new Wesley Mission program called Wesley Linked Up which has drawn together older Australians and people with a disability to work on joint activities that promote acceptance, creativity, friendship and fun.
The mural entitled, Our Passion will hang in the dining room of Wesley Frank Vickery Village. It is a visual representation of the abiding friendship between Wesley LifeSkills Centre and Wesley Frank Vickery Village. Another mural will hang at Wesley Life Skills Woolooware.
Wesley Mission chief executive officer, Rev Dr Keith Garner said the Wesley Linked Up program is enabling people with disabilities to venture into the community in a safe and accepting way.
“For some residents of Wesley Frank Vickery Village it also addresses social isolation and the need for people to feel that they still have something to offer no matter what their age,” Dr Garner said.
“Our Passion is not just about art but also the issue of acceptance.
“Psychologically, the benefits of painting give people a sense of worth and contribution; creating gives people a more positive outlook on life, and negates depression and promotes esteem and worth.
“The Wesley Linked Up program also provides an opportunity for people to socialise with others in a trusted and safe environment that promotes self-expression. The program is assisting everyone in recognising that their feelings and challenges are not unique. Most of all people are realising that they are not alone, can contribute in their own way and are connected to others.”
Apart from the murals the Wesley Linked Up program has also seen the two groups establish a vegetable garden at Woolooware, attend a local pre-school for a Christmas pageant and share morning teas each month.
The joint program was the idea of Wesley LifeSkills Woolooware service co-ordinator Michelle Rogers and Wesley Frank Vickery Village Manager Jodie Hopkins.