An exhibition dedicated to celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, which also showcases the talents of brain injury survivors, is to be unveiled next week.
Platinum Portrayals has been created by Headway Leicester, whose day service and county-wide community outreach users have created the artwork on display.
Art has become a key offering by Headway Leicester, with it being shown to deliver benefits to people living with long-term effects of brain injury. Many of the artists involved in the exhibition have only taken up painting since the charity began supporting them.
Headway was awarded £4,054 from the Arts Council’s Let’s Create Jubilee Fund by Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation, ensuring that service users were able to play their role in marking the momentous occasion.
The charity has been supporting adults and their families affected by brain injury for over 30 years, and provides a lifeline to its members, helping them to rebuild their life.
Headway member Sophie sustained a traumatic brain injury after an accident at home., when she fell down her stairs and was left with a subarachnoid haemorrhage, a subdural hematoma and a fractured occipital bone.
“Headway have been there to support me through all my difficulties and have kept me on track,” she said.
“They have guided me and kept me going when I just wanted to give in and no longer be here. They have given me constant support, someone to 
talk to, cry to and even get a little frustrated at. Especially when I couldn’t cope or see my own progress.
“Without both support workers and fellow members, I am unsure where I would be today. I have also managed to find a passion and relaxation in art. Plus, I blew my own mind in what I can achieve!”
Helen Newton, a local artist, has been working with Headway’s members on this project.
“Leading the online and in-house Platinum Portrayals workshops at Headway has been an absolute pleasure,” she said.
“Without exception, all the members have enthusiastically and actively participated and produced both individual and group work to be proud of.”
Platinum Portrayals runs from Friday, June 10, until Thursday, June 16, at Bishop Street Methodist Church, Town Hall Square, in Leicester.
