Blackpool Tramway 641 Pleasure Beach, Blackpool 3.8.17
Centenary tram 641 stationed opposite the Pleasure Beach, has been transformed into a community gallery to illustrate the art of recovery in Blackpool. The renovation of the vehicle and all the artwork displayed was undertaken solely by the recovery community who came together to demonstrate that recovery from addiction is not just a possibility, it is happening all across the town.
The project brought together clients from numerous recovery support agencies from across Blackpool, all working towards a common goal of helping people overcome their addictions and mental health issues to enjoy a healthier more positive lifestyle.
Carole Houston, Communications Lead for Horizon which offers Drug, Alcohol and non clinical sexual health support for Blackpool residents commenteds 'The concept behind the tram is simple; we want to show that the recovery community in Blackpool is strong and creative, focused on helping people with addiction issues get the help they need. So often people only hear the negative side of the substance abuse in Blackpool, so we want to promote the extremely strong recovery community we have in the town.
'As well as displaying artwork created as part of the recovery journey, the tram site will also act as an information point for people looking to access help with their addiction issues. We want to spread the word that recovery is possible for the majority of people who seek help.'
The Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust, which owns the tram, was extremely supportive of the project from day one. Trustee John Woodman commented, 'We are delighted with what the group have done with our vehicle. It looks spectacular and it’s all for such a great cause. The 641 Centenary tram is one of our favourite vehicles in the heritage fleet so it’s great to see it used to illustrate the incredible journey through the recovery process.'
The ‘Art of Recovery in Blackpool’ tram project was supported by Blackpool Council Arts Service, and was encouraged along the way by artists Boz Phillips and Lee Fitzgerald who specialise in working with community groups across Blackpool.
Blackpool Tramway 641 Pleasure Beach, Blackpool 3.8.17
Centenary tram 641 stationed opposite the Pleasure Beach, has been transformed into a community gallery to illustrate the art of recovery in Blackpool. The renovation of the vehicle and all the artwork displayed was undertaken solely by the recovery community who came together to demonstrate that recovery from addiction is not just a possibility, it is happening all across the town.
The project brought together clients from numerous recovery support agencies from across Blackpool, all working towards a common goal of helping people overcome their addictions and mental health issues to enjoy a healthier more positive lifestyle.
Carole Houston, Communications Lead for Horizon which offers Drug, Alcohol and non clinical sexual health support for Blackpool residents commenteds 'The concept behind the tram is simple; we want to show that the recovery community in Blackpool is strong and creative, focused on helping people with addiction issues get the help they need. So often people only hear the negative side of the substance abuse in Blackpool, so we want to promote the extremely strong recovery community we have in the town.
'As well as displaying artwork created as part of the recovery journey, the tram site will also act as an information point for people looking to access help with their addiction issues. We want to spread the word that recovery is possible for the majority of people who seek help.'
The Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust, which owns the tram, was extremely supportive of the project from day one. Trustee John Woodman commented, 'We are delighted with what the group have done with our vehicle. It looks spectacular and it’s all for such a great cause. The 641 Centenary tram is one of our favourite vehicles in the heritage fleet so it’s great to see it used to illustrate the incredible journey through the recovery process.'
The ‘Art of Recovery in Blackpool’ tram project was supported by Blackpool Council Arts Service, and was encouraged along the way by artists Boz Phillips and Lee Fitzgerald who specialise in working with community groups across Blackpool.