Creating vibrant futures

Using creative expression to help women on their journey out of homelessness.

A sense of calm

Recovering from homelessness can take time. It’s not just about a roof over your head, it’s also about finding the spark in life again.

Homelessness can be lonely and traumatic. So, a safe place to sleep often isn’t enough for recovery. People who have experienced homelessness need space to process what they have been, and are, going through.

For some people, creativity can be a vital tool in this journey. It can offer a sense of calm. Space to reflect, escape or express themselves as needed in that moment.

Can you donate today and help more people recover from homelessness?

A sense of calm

Recovering from homelessness can take time. It’s not just about a roof over your head, it’s also about finding the spark in life again.

For some people, creativity can be a vital tool in this journey. It can offer a sense of calm. Space to reflect, escape or express themselves as needed in that moment.

The tools for recovery

Creativity can have profound positive effects on mental health and well being.

That’s why creative classes like painting and creative writing are embedded into many of our services.

St Mungo’s gives people a roof over their head, but also one to one support, and opportunities to take part in therapeutic sessions. This means individuals can thrive, not just survive.

For some people, a paintbrush can be a tool in their recovery.

The tools for recovery

That’s why creative classes like painting and creative writing are embedded into many of our services.

St Mungo’s gives people a roof over their head, but also 121 support, and opportunities to take part in therapeutic sessions. This means individuals can thrive, not just survive.

The tools for recovering from homelessness could be something as simple as a paintbrush.

Deon's story

Deon has always worked in administration – process driven and structured. She never considered herself a creative, but this all changed.

Deon became homeless after being unexpectedly evicted as lodger. After an extremely difficult period of time and several difficult housing situations, this led to Deon being admitted to a psychiatric unit.

From there, she was offered a room in St Mungo’s accommodation, where she stayed for three years.

Throughout her recovery, Deon discovered creative pursuits helped her. While she was staying with St Mungo’s, she could continue to explore her creativity and hone her skills through the creative sessions available.

“I can still picture my plastic bowl with a couple of potatoes in it, which was my first still life painting. I became part of an online art group. They were so supportive, encouraging and challenging and open to everybody. So that was the start of my creative journey.

“I paint with watercolours and acrylic. My main love is ceramics and I’m studying for a qualification in that at the moment. I'll try anything and see if it sticks, if it makes me feel just calm and time melts away then I’m happy.”

Deon found painting soothing – she describes it as going into a flow state which settles her mind. This was something that really helped her in her recovery.

Creativity has transformed Deon’s life in more ways than one, as what started as a hobby and meditative practice is now her career. She now runs art workshops and has designed her own course through contacts she built through St Mungo’s.

Deon was able to discover a side of herself that she never knew existed – because she’d never had space to explore it.

“If someone told me I’d go down a creative path, I'd have laughed at them because I'd always been an administrator, essentially doing spreadsheets and things like that. So this is just such a complete departure, and I don't have to be tidy to do it!”

With support from St Mungo’s, Deon was able to make a full recovery and now lives independently. She works full time as a creative workshop leader.

Now, instead of an office, Deon spends her working day in a studio.

“This is the way I’m meant to be, and now I can just be. St Mungo’s have helped me with that.”

Creating vibrant futures

Creating vibrant futures

A sense of calm

A sense of calm

The tools for recovery

The tools for recovery

Deon's story

Your donation could help paint a picture of recovery for people experiencing homelessness.

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