For the past nine years, award-winning artist and Mission volunteer Clare has generously shared her time and expertise, running weekly art classes for people experiencing homelessness and hardship. 

Many in our community have lived through significant trauma – as an experienced creative arts therapist, Clare understands how art can help people process trauma and begin to heal. “Art as a modality is so powerful. It is immensely therapeutic. For some people in the class, just being in this space, having a cup of tea, painting or drawing gets your mind off things.” 

The classes offer more than art. Clare says they provide a warm, welcoming haven.  

“It is a safe space, a sharing space. It can be a jungle out there for them. Tense and fraught. A lot of anger and confrontation. So for these hours they can feel safe. It brings out a gentleness and camaraderie in people that is really beautiful.” 

Over the years, Clare has built genuine, trusting relationships with the artists who come to her class and become a consistent, reassuring presence in their lives. 

“It’s such a huge and humbling privilege to have people trust you. Because I’m there all the time – a constant in a life where nothing’s constant.” 

“Part of the healing and transformative process is that here they feel noticed and cared about. Love plays a big part in this class. Because a lot of them feel very invisible, especially the streeties.” 

For Clare, seeing people start to regain their sense of worth and self-esteem is one of the joys of her work with the Mission.   

“It’s all part of reigniting a divine spark within everybody that can get so hidden. If you can bring that out again, suddenly you are working with a human who feels ‘I am worthwhile!’” 

“The icing on the cake is the exhibitions, where people get to see their work up on the wall. They get to see themselves through a new lens. As an artist. Not just vulnerably housed or homeless.” 

Some of the people who have come through her classes have gone onto employment – and Clare says it’s great catching up with them years later for a chat. 

“I love doing this work – it’s not an opportunity you get everyday! It makes me feel useful and relevant. I love the people, the personalities. The talent can be mindboggling at times.” 

During National Volunteer Week, we celebrate and thank Clare and all of our volunteers who support people in greatest need every day of the year.   We can only do what we do with volunteers by our side.