20 July 2006
A mosaic designed and created by formerly homeless men and women with the help of lawyers from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was unveiled at Thames Reach Bondway’s Roseberry Street project in June.
Entitled ‘Sea Garden’, the mosaic was designed in 2004 by residents Bernard Armstrong, Adrian Martyn, Karl Wallace, Chris Tomala and Margaret King.
There had been no funds to make it, however, until the HSE donated £750 worth of materials earlier this year.
Eight solicitors from the HSE worked together with residents and staff as part of a team-building exercise to build the mosaic. Made of small glass tiles on a wooden base, it has been hung in the communal garden of the Southwark project.
Thames Reach Bondway Chief Executive Jeremy Swain said: "I'd like to thank the HSE and the eight individuals who helped come up with such a great way of engaging former homeless people in a scheme which brought their artistic talents to the fore.
"The mosaic provides a lasting legacy to the talents of people who have experienced homelessness, the commitment of the HSE volunteers, and the benefits of partnership between charities such as Thames Reach Bondway and organisations such as the HSE."
HSE Chief Executive Geoffrey Podger added: “I am delighted that the HSE has been involved in what has proved to be a positive and worthwhile project.
"The HSE is committed to working in partnership with the local community and is proud to have worked alongside Thames Reach Bondway who make a significant difference to the lives of the most vulnerable members of our community.”
The Roseberry Street project provides accommodation in ten high-quality one-bedroom flats with on-site staff support for formerly homeless people with a history of mental health problems.
