Being a non-profit Community Interest Company, part of our mission at YinYan Wellbeing CIC is to engage & help the local community as much as possible. At Metro that means opening up our wellbeing sessions to Hammersmith BID businesses employees and getting involved with a fabulous local charity.
Last week we visited Barons Court Project the only day centre in Hammersmith & Fulham who support people on low income, homeless and/or vulnerable to mental health issues. It was wonderful to see what they do first hand and we are excited to support them with our pop up in Metro.
We met some great people there – not least the two in the photo: Standing is Michael Angus a real force for good who runs the show – the painter is Guan, who has a very humbling & uplifting story – he doesn’t just tell his story in words, he paints it in his awesome ‘rainbow trees’ which I have completely fallen in love with.
“In my dark days, when I was made homeless I always hung out in the park to pass the time. In the winter it was very dark and miserable, with all the bare branches of trees. After a while I went back to the park and to my delight I saw the same trees covered with cherry blossom, all colourful. I thought – that’s life after all. Things can turn around, come back to life. That’s what inspired me to paint the rainbow tree. For me, it’s a symbol of hope.” – Guan
Not only has Guan helped himself deal with his own issues through art – with help from the charity his work has sprouted a studio that mentors others with their own story to tell 🌱AND it has sprouted a new business HOMEless MADE that supports the charity & the artists 🌱 AND they run art sessions that give everyone the chance to unlock the power of their own creativity.
Don’t ever think homelessness and/or a mental health crisis can’t happen to you – just 2 or 3 events that can be completely out of your control can send anyone into a frightening spiral. Charities like Barons Court Project are a lifeline and we’re thrilled to support them.
Form small acorns grow mighty oaks…sometimes rainbow oaks and we can’t wait to have a go at painting one ourselves with Guan’s help!
