Day Centre Customers’ Delight At Seeing Their Artwork On Display In City Centre

Local day services for older people and people with learning disabilities and/or autism have their artistic creations on display in Chelmsford’s first ever sculpture art trail.

Chelmsford-based care company, ECL has sponsored a large bee sculpture and three mini bees which are featured in the Buzz in the City art trail, organised by Farleigh Hospice.

The mini bees have been designed and painted by individuals that attend ECL’s Highfields and Charles Dickens day centres for older people and people with learning disabilities and/autism, with the creative support of local artist Jennifer Flint.

Both day centres came together recently for a special day out to walk the trail and see their bees in situ. Everyone was incredibly proud to see the result of their hard work displayed in such prominent positions.

Laura Cresswell, ECL Day Services Support Worker said:
“We had the most fantastic outing into Chelmsford to see all the bees. The customers were really excited when they saw the bees that they had painted. All of the bees are amazingly well done, and they all give positive messages like inclusivity, respect, hope, and education. It was a fabulous day.

It was wonderful to see the customers so relaxed and engaged walking around town. Community outings like this are so beneficial for the people we support, not only are they good for their wellbeing, but they also help with their life skills, social skills and promote confidence and independence which is fundamentally the aim of our day services.”

Affectionately named Betty, Bubbles and BB by the centres, the mini bees are located in Chelmsford Library, The Meadows, and High Chelmer shopping centres and are on display until 9 September.

Lorna attends ECL Chelmsford Highfields Day Centre for people with learning disabilities and/or autism. Speaking of her visit to the art trail, she said: “My favourite bee is our bee, the gold and black one in High Chelmer because I worked hard painting it with my sister Jenny. The bees cheer the town up, everybody seeing their bees was great.”

Geoffrey attends ECL Chelmsford Charles Dickens Older People’s Day Centre, he thoroughly enjoyed the day out stating: “The bees being in the town is marvellous. I’ve enjoyed seeing and commenting on the bees.”