SERVING military personnel and veterans from Merseyside are being invited to take part in an unique art project.
Led by professional sculptor Al Johnson and in conjunction with The Royal British Legion, the project will learn new skills and improve their wellbeing with service men and women who may have physical injuries, PTSD and other mental health challenges.
The artwork will then go on display to art critics and the general public at an exhibition in September.
Sculptor and director of Art for Bravo 22, Al Johnson, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to take part in a creative project, and to then share these very personal pieces with the public - it will be life-changing for some of them.
“Each piece of work is unique to its creator and tells a different story of recovery; from a painful memory to worries about civilian life or injuries that can’t be physically seen.”
Recovery through arts programme Bravo 22 Company has been made possible thanks to funding from The Royal British Legion and The Drive Project - more than 400 people have taken part in projects across the UK so far.
Actor Ray Winstone, patron of Bravo 22 Company, said: “Bravo 22 helps wounded, injured and sick service personnel, along with veterans and family members, on their path of recovery through theatre or art.
"There's no need for any previous experience to get involved and it’s an awesome project.”
Merseyside veterans will spend four weeks creating head casts during a series of workshops.
Area manager for the Royal British Legion Gillian McKinnon said: “Through art, the project aims to improve participants’ self-awareness, confidence, self-esteem and motivation to help to move them along their individual recovery pathway.
"These rookie artists will be given a platform to express themselves.
“This is just one of the ways we are using your donations to help support our Armed Forces community in Merseyside.”
Veterans and their families can attend a recruitment event on Thursday, July 11 from 11am to 2pm at the Legion’s Pop-In Centre on Williamson Street in Liverpool to find out more on how to take part.
For more information visit
https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-support/physical-and-mental-wellbeing/recovery-through-art
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