The Brighton art recovery project

In 2023-24, our Supported Living team provided more than 6,500 instances of support, including helping more than 300 survivors of domestic abuse rebuild their lives.

One customer, living in our Brighton Refuge, has used their background in art to help them find a way forward, which has since grown into a project aimed at supporting more people like them.

Here’s more about the project and how it got going:

In February 2024, after nearly six years of enduring psychological, coercive, financial, and economic abuse, I found sanctuary in Brighton with the support of Women’s Aid.

The initial months were a challenging blend of navigating deep-seated depression, confronting the shadows of my past, and facing an uncertain future. Art became my lifeline—a powerful medium through which I could channel my pain, hope, and resilience.

I immersed myself in creating diverse works, from drawings on paper and vibrant paintings on canvas to intricate ceramics and two expansive wall murals. Each piece served not only as a testament to my journey but as a beacon of healing and transformation. Through the strokes of my pens and the moulding of clay, I rediscovered my strength and began to rebuild my life, one artistic expression at a time.

With an education in Art & Design and experience in Customer Experience and Process Development within Global Operations, I channelled my skills into something greater: a business plan for the Brighton Art Recovery Project. This supportive space aims to empower domestic abuse survivors, helping them process trauma, find purpose, and rebuild resilience through art. Through this project, I hope to give back to those who supported me and to empower others to embark on their own healing journeys.

You can find out more about the project here: