• Local homelessness charity HARP has opened a new gallery and studio in the Marketplace, Southend, showcasing work created through its HARPMade programme.
• A new creative space in the heart of Southend is giving people supported by HARP the opportunity to learn new skills, build confidence and turn donated items into something completely new.
• Sales support HARP’s THRIVE Recovery Programme, which supported nearly 300 people last year.

HARP officially opened the new HARPMade gallery and studio at 8–9 Market Place on 1st October, with local artists, supporters and community partners in attendance.

From clothing and furniture to artwork and homewares, donated items that might otherwise have been overlooked are being transformed through creative sessions run by HARP. But for the people taking part, the value of HARPMade goes beyond what is produced.

HARPMade forms part of HARP’s THRIVE Recovery Programme, which supports wellbeing, connection and personal development. THRIVE stands for Therapeutic, Health, Recovery, Innovation, Vocation and Education. Activities include embroidery, sashiko stitching, printing, crafts, 3D printing and woodwork.

For some people, these sessions offer an opportunity to reconnect with interests they enjoyed earlier in life. For others, they provide a chance to try something completely new and build confidence alongside other people.

Vanessa Hemmings, Chief Executive of HARP, said:
“HARPMade gives people space to explore what they enjoy and discover what they can do. Creating something, learning a skill and connecting with others can all help build confidence. This new gallery celebrates that creativity and invites Southend to be part of it.”

The new gallery has been refurbished with the support of Cama Assetstore, with around 70% of the materials used in the refurbishment being donated by Cama and upcycled, reflecting the ethos behind HARPMade, that something doesn’t need to be new to have value.

Any money raised through the sale of HARPMade pieces in HARP shops is reinvested into HARP’s THRIVE Recovery Programme. Last year, the THRIVE programme supported nearly 300 people, helping to create opportunities for connection, learning and personal development.

The new gallery also opens opportunities for the wider Southend community to get involved. HARP is looking for people and organisations who could donate suitable items, share creative skills through one-off workshops, commission handmade pieces or hire the gallery space for their own art shows or events.

The gallery and studio space has been supported by a Big Sparks grant from Southend-on-Sea City Council, the Morrisons Foundation, Cama Assetstore and FSJ Charities. To find out more, donate items, discuss a creative workshop or enquire about using the space, contact HARP on 01702 615000 or admin@harphomeless.org.