Art exhibition celebrating community connections opens at Friary Walk

A MOSAIC mural and pop-up exhibition featuring work from care home residents has arrived at Friary and Chapel Walk Shopping Centre.

The mural, designed with Malvern-based artist Victoria Harrison, features more than 100 artworks by Sanctuary Care residents, and celebrates the power of community connections.

It depicts a garden in bloom to symbolise the growth, belonging, and enrichment community brings.

The exhibition at the Worcester shopping centre is open to the public until Friday (April 11).

Visitors can engage with the immersive space, listen to residents’ messages, and take a seat on the Connections Bench.

Recent research has highlighted that nearly half of UK adults feel connected to their community.

Sanctuary’s chief operating officer, Sarah Clarke-Kuehn, said: “This research highlights the deep impact of social connections on our well-being, especially as we age.

“A sense of belonging is something we all seek, and community ties can provide that feeling of security and togetherness throughout life.

“At Sanctuary Care, supporting our residents to live enriched lives is at the very core of what we do.”

She added: “Seeing our residents come together to create this striking mural has been truly inspiring.

“Many residents contributed an individual artwork, forming a rich tapestry of stories which we hope will serve as lasting reminder of the strength, support and belonging that community connections bring.”

Professor Andrea Wigfield, director at the centre for loneliness studies and the campaign to end loneliness at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “Meaningful social connections are fundamental to us as human beings.

“They improve our sense of well-being, contribute to our quality of life and have the potential to have important benefits for our physical health.

“Meaningful social relationships can act as a buffer to loneliness, helping us to become more resilient, especially at points of transition in our lives.”

Mike Lloyd, centre manager of Chapel & Friary Walk, said: “We are delighted to host the ‘Connections’ exhibition in The POD! at Friary Walk.

“It’s a privilege to partner with Sanctuary Care and provide a space where these remarkable artworks – created by care home residents from across the country, alongside Worcestershire-based artist Victoria Harrison – can be shared with our local community.”