Everyone is an artist with Community Focus

Community Focus Inclusive Arts offers creative and wellbeing courses for local residents with disabilities, additional needs or anyone who would benefit from extra support: Leïla Davaud visited the organisation at Friary House

Walls covered with artworks as people mill around tables and stalls — A hub of artistic activity at Friary House – (Credit – Community Focus)

Staring a rat straight in the eyes wasn’t on the day’s to-do list. Thankfully, just like its companions, Ratatouille stood frozen in 2D. “This is the masterpiece of a student who really loves rats,” laughs Phil Powell, Community Focus’s head of communications and marketing.

Friary House in Friern Barnet has become a safe haven for children and adults with disabilities and additional needs who have a particular interest in art. The walls are adorned with artwork produced in-house, turning the building into a wholesome gallery.

“We deliver creative lessons so our students can fulfil their full potential, learn new skills, gain a sense of achievement and socialise in a safe, friendly environment,” says Phil Powell.

Anna Hor, interim CEO and the Post‘s guide for the day, walks into one of the classrooms. She explains: “Right now, we are hosting a creative writing session and a mixed-media art class. We try to cater for different ways of expressing ourselves and learning.”

Community Focus welcomes children aged 10 and over, as well as adults. Phil explains: “We quickly realised the centre was vital. For people with disabilities and additional needs, home is often their safe space. The outside world can be very scary. They are often ignored, if not abused.

“They deserve another space where they can be themselves and not have to hide who they truly are. Pretending to be normal is draining and exhausting. They shouldn’t have to go through that to have a life outside their homes.”

The strength of this charity comes, in part, from its tutors. All of them are practising artists who bring their individual skills and experience to the classes. One of them is Flo Alfrey, project manager of ARTiculate.

She says: “The project is designed for adults aged between 18 and 30. The students learn transferable skills in the hope of finding a job.”

Phil Powell explains: “Funding usually stops once a person turns 18. We try to teach them skills they could learn at school, but in a safer and free environment where everything is designed around their needs.”

Flo nods and adds: “It inspires them to join groups and overcome the social anxiety that larger organisations can induce.”

Recently, students collaborated with the shop Philanthropy in Golders Green. Alfrey explains: “We created hand-printed T-shirts during the latest Football World Cup and even embroidered second-hand denim items. The clothes were then sold in the shop. It’s fantastic!”

Phil Powell reflects: “It is a brilliant place. People who ignore this community are missing out. Just because people are disabled doesn’t mean they don’t deserve to live a full life. They have a lot to teach us, as well.”

One of the main barriers to inclusivity is a lack of education on the subject. And who is best placed to teach us about it? Those most affected.

“We launched Dis-labeled,” says Phil. “It’s a podcast created and presented by people with disabilities, learning disabilities, autism and long-term health conditions. It is a space to share experiences, challenge stereotypes and talk about the things that matter to them.”

Funded by the National Lottery, Dis-labeled is available on streaming platforms and on Resonance 104.4 FM. “We have recorded 80 episodes,” says Phil proudly.

“On the podcast, the students share experiences, interview guests, have a laugh and choose what they want the world to hear. It is really special, and it resonates internationally!”

On Wednesday (21st October), Dis-labeled was due to leave Friary House for one night to set up at Alexandra Palace during Rhythm Sticks. Announced as London’s most inclusive club night, the event is designed and produced by adults with disabilities. The night features DJs, immersive production and a headline set from North London’s Erol Alkan.

“We will be interviewing participants and asking them to share their stories with us. It should make a good episode!”

Community Focus is hoping to expand in the near future. Additional classes would allow the charity to reach out to more people in need of a creative haven.

Phil Powell assures: “Stepping in the centre for the first time is a very hard thing to do but once you step within these walls you make friends and family. It’s life changing!”

Anyone interested in getting involved with Community Focus can visit https://communityfocus.co.uk/, call 0203 743 2326 or write at [email protected].

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