Local artist transforms walls of Salvation Army Lifehouse
published on 7 Sep 2022
New Direction, a Salvation Army Lifehouse in Braintree, Essex, has commissioned a local artist to add interest to the centre’s communal spaces. The murals painted by Yvonne Coombs feature eye-catching scenes of wildlife and nature.
New Direction, a Salvation Army Lifehouse in Braintree, Essex, has commissioned a local artist to add interest to the centre’s communal spaces. The murals painted by Yvonne Coombs feature eye-catching scenes of wildlife and nature.
New Direction in Braintree provides temporary accommodation and support for homeless people. The centre aims to help clients work towards independent living by providing additional support for the issues which led to them becoming homeless in the first place, such as addiction or mental illness.
Staff at New Direction were eager to decorate the building in order to give the centre a more homely environment.
Amanda Rolls, an Early Intervention Worker at New Direction, commissioned Yvonne to liven up the space with her artwork. Whilst she was reimbursed for the resources she used, Yvonne chose to paint the murals free of charge.
Amanda said: “She worked on the murals across two days, and she did it without asking for anything. Yvonne loves painting, it’s something that comes very naturally to her. Giving up her time and her gifts in this way for others is amazing.”
Some of the clients got involved in transforming the walls too. Chris, a former resident at New Direction, also painted a mural of a beach scene on the walls of the centre’s second floor.
She described the impact of Yvonne and the residents’ work: “The walls used to be just blue and looked quite clinical, but now they look more homely.
“You can see one of Yvonne’s paintings from the staff room, and it really encourages us to keep the door open and enjoy her work. The artwork really does brighten up the place and encourage the residents and any visitors that come in.”
Yvonne works in oils, acrylics and mixed media, and describes her style as abstract and impressionist surrealism. Her work is particularly inspired by her Christian faith.
Find more information on New Direction here and Yvonne Coombs here.
