Looking at life through a different lens
Lens is an art exhibition with a difference. It looks at life through the perspective of people with Autism, learning disabilities and their families and professional carers.
On show to mark this year’s Learning Disability Week the exhibition brought the week’s theme of ‘Do you see me?’ into sharp focus.
Its aim is to provide people with a greater understanding of what it’s like to live with a learning disability and/or Autism, making sure that people with a learning disability are being seen, heard and valued.
Funded by the NHS, it is a collaboration between the Moreton-based Happy Times Activities social enterprise and Open Door Charity in Birkenhead.
Happy Times’ Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Helen Oliver, said, “We want people to challenge their perspectives in a positive way.”
The participants in the project shared their experiences in workshops, talking about the challenges they face. Many of the people who visit the Happy Times centre are non-verbal, so the team worked with them and their care support to create statements and words that captured how they feel.
A group of neurodivergent artists then turned these experiences into works of art, which now form part of the Lens exhibition. Large boards display the pictures and who they were inspired by.
To mark Learning Disability Week, Happy Times hosted an open day where the gallery was displayed in the grounds of their centre for people to come and see.
Happy Times Activities is all about inclusion and connection. The centre provides a space for adults with learning disabilities and/or Autism to gain confidence and independence whilst having fun and taking part in wellbeing and creative activities such as dance, games, music, sensory time, yoga relaxation and therapies. The charity also offers an outreach service, bringing their brand of fun to a variety of venues, including care homes and day centres.
Emily is a regular at Happy Times Activities. When she first started, she was very quiet, and it took her a while to feel comfortable taking part. Almost a decade later, and she has grown in confidence so much that she now even volunteers at the centre!
Emily’s favourite thing about coming to the centre is being able to relax.
“It has helped me become independent and I love seeing all my friends.”
Challenging the perceptions of people with learning disabilities, Emily now has her own news blog on Happy Times’ website, showcasing her talent for writing by sharing her journey at the centre.
Lens is a movable exhibition that can be hosted at different venues, raising awareness of how to communicate with people with learning disabilities and promoting inclusion.
We are passionate about improving the lives for vulnerable people in our community and the only way to do this is to understand and change ourselves. This is why we are offering local organisations the opportunity to share our exhibition,' said Helen Oliver, CEO of Happy Times.
If you would like to host the Lens gallery and learn more about the people who are supported by the centre, then get in touch with Happy Times Activities by calling 0151 641 0716 or emailing info@happytimesactivities.co.uk
You can view the gallery online and learn about the stories behind the pictures here: Happy Times - A beautiful spectrum
