'Durning Road'
Merseyside Hot-bed of the Arts

Durning Road has been a success story from the day it opened its doors, however more recently this success has extended to a number of tenants in a very different way. A high proportion of those fortunate enough to gain a place at Durning Road have succeeded in their artistic endeavours also.

Almost two years ago 'Ron' moved into one of the flats. Ron's writing talents immediately became apparent when he wrote a poem about his move into the flat, which was featured at the last Adullam Staff Day. Ron writes; "When I first encountered Adullam after spending some time in one of Her Majesty's establishments, I felt depressed, let down, confused and had a sense of rejection" "I was encouraged to make use of my time there," "I was injected with enthusiasm to pass my time in Durning Road perusing useful things. So I found myself 'battling' with a computer on an I.T. course, something I hadn't thought of before and extending my (already) love of writing poetry and the written word, by joining Liverpool University on an Introduction to Writing Poetry Course"

Ron has moved on to independent accommodation now but continues to practice the wordsmith's art. Ron has also joined an Acting Skills Course and says, "I shall soon be moving on as a natural progression from that, to a course about Production & Direction. I am looking forward to that also." "Even a 'wrong-un' can turn out right, you know"

Then came our 'Artist-in-Residence', Chris. Chris is an accomplished 2D & 3D artist who is just now developing her God-given talent. Chris tells he story. "I have had several opportunities in my life to pursue a career in art. When I was seventeen I moved out of care into a flat in St.Helens and completed a foundation course at the Gambol Institute. However shortly after this I decided to get married (I was pregnant) and my artistic ambitions were put on hold. I threw myself into married life and had three sons but as they got older I wanted to be more than just a housewife and mother. So as I have always loved working with young people I became a Youth Worker and joined the Multi-Media Art Group based in Knowsley. I spent most of my time painting murals in different Youth Clubs from Kirkby to Huyton."

"When we, as a family moved home, I left youth work and decided to take 'A' level Art and Sociology at a local college, where I was encouraged by the art lecturer, to apply for a degree course in Liverpool. I did in fact eventually succeed in getting a place here. Sadly my marriage began to break up during this time and I was unable to cope with the pressure of the divorce and the degree course. From this point things just seemed to get worse. One of those periods in your life when everything seems to be against you and I became more and more depressed and did very little work.

However, since I have lived with Adullam, I have re-invented myself as a serious artist and have been fortunate enough to rent a studio in Liverpool. I was apprehensive at first but with sincere encouragement of my project worker and I must say everybody else at Adullam, I have remained enthusiastic and motivated, although I have had periods of self doubt from time to time.

I feel very secure living with Adullam and the knowledge that I have someone to share my feelings with when necessary. I am also proud to be part of what I believe is a very sincere organisation and if I become successful with my work I will always acknowledge the help and support I have known over the past twelve months" "P.S. I have just sold my first painting"

Brenda has just left Adullam in order to return to her home in the Northeast, after just five months that, she says, " literally changed my life." Brenda writes from her home; "The reason that I went into supported care was that my now ex-partner, was a heavy drinker and was violent. During the time of living together of eighteen months my partner, through alcohol abuse, ended up on probation and re-offended and I ended up on probation as well." "Our relationship deteriorated through drink and domestic violence, which I ended up on the receiving side, too often." "Leaving without my partner's knowledge with my clothes and a few personal possessions, my project worker moved me into safety." "After the initial settling in period of a couple weeks, which made me drink heavier with all the stress of moving, my project worker and myself drew up a reachable contract."

"After two months with Adullam, I attempted to give up alcohol a few times with out success. After a lot of support and counselling from my project worker and other support workers, I eventually did it and have remained teetotal ever since. The will power was given to me by the support I initially and continually received."

My project worker took me to join the Central Library and brought out of me my hobbies and talents, which is writing. I used to write poetry as a pass-time." We enquired about a course in writing and computers. I joined a Creative Writing Course via Liverpool Community College which was held locally." By the second week, I was reading my poems to other poets in the region with my Project Worker in attendance to support me." "My short stories were being enjoyed by my tutor and class and I was receiving good marks and praise for them." "Adullam supported me with files and paper and photocopied relevant pieces from books to support my new found enjoyment." "I was being appreciated and I could see some purpose to life. The tangled mess was beginning to unravel and problems which came up were dealt with as they arrived." Brenda summed it all up by telling me, "In a short space of time, I have moved on in every way. I am reunited with my family, I am still 'Tee-total', I am writing, I am happy and content, a human being again with a measure of self esteem and worth, able to slot into society." I am wiping the slate clean to start again, with the bad times a distant memory. I am a better person after the impact with Adullam made on my life."

John is a current tenant and although he suffered a stroke less than a year ago he is making an effort to regain his relatively new found art of 'Bread Sculpture'. John says, "I started bread modelling over a year ago after watching a mate of mine doing it. I find it very relaxing and it passes a few hours away. Last year I had two strokes which left me with just the use of my left hand but in the seven months I have been with Adullam I have managed to make a few models."

"As part of my support, one area I identified or expressed an interest in is pottery making. Together with my support worker I have tried to access several Pottery Classes, sadly to no avail. I still intend to pursue this interest as I find the modelling to be therapeutic and beneficial. I have found being at Adullam's Durning Road Project to have given me the time and opportunity to pursue this interest."

John explained to me how he makes the models pictured. "First take off the crust from a slice of bread and let it dry for 24 hours. When dry crush the bread into powder and add a little water, roll it around in your hands until it's soft and smooth. Now you can start making your shapes. Let the shapes go hard before painting them, use water colour paint as this only takes a couple of hours to dry. When the paint is dry you can use a clear varnish to put a shine on them."

Pass-times, diversion therapy, self-indulgence or a carrier; no matter what you call it, it seems to be working for many of our tenants. May be we will hold an exhibition some day, featuring the