A new mural has been unveiled at Galafield Family Hub in Newbiggin Hall, one of Newcastle’s Best Start Family Hubs, at a community event involving children, families, volunteers, supporters from Westerhope Methodist Church, and council representatives.
Funded by Action for Children in partnership with the Newcastle City Council Arts Development programme, the project was led by local artist Josie Stewart and co-designed with various inter-generational community groups.
The charity, which offers a range of services at the hub, says the new work celebrates the local area including shared connection across the generations, green spaces and a caring spirit.
The mural features a range of materials and practices including stencilling, children’s drawing, self-portraits, delicate leaf prints taken from nearby trees, and hand and footprints in clay done by the Parent and Toddler Group.
During the three months design process, participants shared what the local community and area means to them with green spaces a vital source of pride and enjoyment.
The groups whose creativity inspired the mural included a parent and toddler group, the Little Pioneers nursery (0-5 years), and youth groups of 5–19-year-olds delivered by Inspire Youth such as their local girls youth club.
Galafield Café supported by volunteers includes some individuals from Westerhope Methodist Church, and they were invited to take part in the design process.
Clare Bowley, Community Engagement Coordinator at Action for Children, commented:
“This project has shown how important places like Galafield Family Hub are to the local community. People of all ages use the hub from young people to parents, and families to older volunteers. Everyone shares a strong connection to the community and the spaces around them.
“I’m very happy that thanks to funding from Action for Children we were able to work with freelance artist Josie Stewart. Together with the groups, she co‑designed the new wall mural that was revealed this week.
“It has been a really positive project to support, and I hope the mural will leave a lasting legacy in the community and be enjoyed for many years to come.”
Cath McEvoy-Carr, Director of Children and Families, Newcastle City Council said:
“This fantastic new mural is a real celebration of Galafield Family Hub and the people who make it such a special place. It’s great to see residents of all ages come together to share their creativity and tell the story of their community.
We would like to thank Action for Children for bringing this project to life and ensuring local voices and creativity are seen and celebrated.”