Headway Derby, a local charity which supports people affected by brain injury, has launched a new art gallery where the community they serve can display their art. On Tuesday 28th September, world renowned artist Paul Cummins MBE formally opened The Lane Gallery at Headway Derby’s new premises on Bateman Street in the city.
Brain injury is the leading cause of death and disability in the UK today. For those who survive, its effects are not always visible or easy to diagnose, let alone understand and treat. Many brain injury survivors are forced to live with their own unique communication issues and for some of these, art can be a great form of self-expression.
The charity, which is now in its 27th year was inspired to launch the gallery as many of their clients turned to art during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, using different artforms to communicate personal experiences of their life of lockdown. Art has been at the centre of the charities activities and ethos since its launch, and during Covid became a core part of the way the team were able to connect with and support clients who were physically isolated in their own homes.
As part of the charities offer during that period, the small team pivoted their entire range of services to digital, accompanied by a range of practical resource boxes and materials, telephone calls, loaning devices and equipment out, live streaming events and even delivering a 100 strong Winter Ball, complete with tables, live music, auction, awards and an after party.
By completely transforming their services in this way the charity were able to expand their reach of support from 48 in the previous year to over 300.
In March 2021 local artist Paul Cummins MBE spoke to members of Headway Derby on a zoom event as part of the Together From Home project the charity launched in March 2020, about his career as an artist and offered tips for aspiring creatives to get started.
The members were really inspired by Paul, and his openness talk about just getting started, in spite of any barriers or disabilities they may have. He encouraged budding artists to be themselves and find an artform that flowed for them personally.
The use of art in brain injury therapy and rehabilitation has been used for many years. Today art is at the centre of everything that we do at Headway Derby, and as an organisation we know how therapeutic, developmental and fun art can be once you find a medium that connects with you; and immerse yourself in it. Art has the power to engage and connect people in a way that other approaches fall short of; and empowers society to communicate key issues in new and exciting ways.
At the core of our work is the conviction that people actively participating in arts will benefit personally, will connect with others in their neighbourhood and community; and be more capable of initiating change in their own lives and on their own terms.
Benefits of art therapy for brain injury patients
- Sharpen fine motor skills and visual perception. Handling paint on a paintbrush can help you gain more control of your fingers and hands, which can in turn transfer to other skills and development
- Improve concentration and attention. Art therapy, whether it involves painting, drawing, writing, or taking a pottery class, requires deep concentration and focus
- Boost problem-solving skills. Art might look easy, but it actually takes a lot of thinking, focus, planning all of which in turn help problem solving skills
- Relieve symptoms of depression and build social skills. Art therapy is proven to help combat the chemical imbalances that cause depression
- Improve self-management and self-esteem. One of the best reasons to try art therapy after brain injury is it gives you a space where for once, you are in control.
'The Lane Gallery' will exhibit art of all mediums, including abstract, watercolours, sketches, photography, creative writing, graffiti, sculpting and poetry. The launch is being delivered in collaboration with Derby Museum and Art Gallery, exhibiting work created by people who's lives have been affected by brain injury together.
In 2020 the charity received the sad new that their founding Chair, Christine Lane, a brain injury survivor herself, had passed away. Christine was a remarkable woman who remained committed to the charity until her death. Christine remembered the charity in her will and the new Lane Gallery is named after Chris in recognition of this.
The Lane Gallery will be open most weekdays and by special appointment on other days. We are encouraging visitors to book in advance. To book a spot email us on mail@headwayderby.org
In March the charity ran a short story competition. Brain injury survivor, James Glossop won the award for best short story in the General Headway Derby category with his story ‘One Spring Morning’, while Lead Volunteer, Diane Hawker came as highly commended runner up with her piece ‘Spring’.
Talking about his experience, brain injury survivor James said: “Writing the short story allowed me to express my feelings in the form of a story. It was also good to share the story with friends and family for input and constructive feedback. This enabled me to accept feedback in a positive way and use this to improve my writing as well."
Diane added: “I enjoyed writing my story. I had the first line in my head from the very first moment that it was suggested. I’ve never done anything like that before. I’m looking forward to reading all the other contributions very much.”
Rebecca Manship, the Chief Executive of Headway Derby, said: “It is an absolute privilege for Headway Derby to launch this new gallery, and we are delighted to be exhibiting four local grass roots artists in its inaugural exhibition”.
“It is well documented that art-forms are linked with psychological health benefits, including improved mood, increased levels of well-being, reduced stress levels and less symptoms of depression. This resultant reduction of pressure on statutory services highlights the benefits of expressive and creative activities across the wider society we live in, and helps to increase independent living, confidence, self-esteem and self-identity of those people taking part.”
Debra Morris is a personal injury solicitor and the Chair of Headway Derby. Debra said: "Access to exhibition opportunities for survivors of brain injury will provide a whole new dimension to the development of art.
"We see the impact arts has on the rehabilitation of our members and I am delighted that we can now provide this new facility for the wider brain injury community."
Paul Cummins MBE said at the launch: "Art is a pure form of communication that brings people together, whatever their background or story. This is a wonderful place where people will be able to communicate through whatever art-form works for them uniquely."
Ruchita Shaikh, CEO of Artcore said: "Congratulations, this is a great initiative."
To find out more about the services and support offered by Headway Derby, visit headwayderby.co.uk or call the Brain Injury Hub on 01332 365 270.
Exhibitors – all local artists
- Matthew Rutherford – abstract on canvas – Matthew was Headway Derby’s first Resident Artist, holding this place in 2020. He acquired a traumatic brain injury 11 years ago and lives with a condition called aphasia, which affects his communication. Matt expresses his life through his art and has been exhibited online as well as at Brick Lane Gallery in London.
- Isabelle Halstead – water colour, silk and sketch. Isi has been a long standing member of the Headway Derby community, volunteering weekly at the wonderful Headway Derby Allotment Garden at Roeditch. Isi has a traumatic brain injury and loves to be creative, expressing herself in many different artforms.
- Alex Cooper – poetry and creative writing. Alex has an acquired brain injury and expresses his observations of the world through his poetry and creative writing. He is Headway Derby’s Resident Poet for 2021 and regularly provides pieces for The Workshop by Headway Derby and other social events.
- Patrick Hall – sketch and oil on canvas. Patrick is a volunteer of Headway Derby and is one of the leaders of MenKind, the men only group that meet each Friday. Patrick loves to sketch and encourages others to pick up a pencil and just see where it takes them through free sketching. Patrick is Headway Derby’s Resident Artist 2021.
