Metro has teamed up with a community group to help support vulnerable young women across South Tyneside through art.
DB Regio Tyne and Wear, which operates the Metro on behalf of Nexus, has unveiled the two pieces of artwork produced by 35 young women of the Bright Futures group, at Chichester Metro station.
The work takes pride of place at Chichester station, which is currently being refurbished through the £389m Metro: all change modernisation programme.
Metro initially began working with the Bright Futures group to help target anti-social groups. This led to other joint initiatives, including the art project in partnership with Hawthorn Arts earlier this year.
Founded by Helen Bowman and Nicola Common, Bright Futures works with women between 11 and 25 to help raise their self-esteem and confidence and educate them about how to stay safe and healthy.
Helen said: “The art project involved two groups of young women. One which attended a lunchtime drop-in at South Shields Community School, while the other group acted as community ambassadors for Affinity Sutton.
“The groups worked during lunchtimes and evenings over six weeks to complete the project.
“Through our work on the Metro system, we have been able to build a good working relationship with DB Regio. This art project is the ideal opportunity to raise the profile of young women in South Tyneside and the positive relationship between all partners.”
The group received support from Northumbria Police and the Crime Commissioner’s Fund to pay for the artist and materials needed. Richard McClean, Managing Director of DB Regio Tyne and Wear, said: “DB Regio is proud to support local grassroots groups such as Bright Futures. The group provides an invaluable service within the community, responding directly to local needs and making a significant impact – often with limited resources. DB Regio will now continue to work with Bright Futures to see what other projects they can get involved with.”
On the night of the launch there was mini competition in which the members of Bright Futures competed against Churchill (Metro cleaning contractors).
The activities were light-hearted and fun. Darren Lomax, Churchill Contract Manager, said: “We are delighted to take part in this event but more so support the great work that Bright Futures have achieved so far. Working with DB reinforces our community engagement partnership as well and our staff were more than willing to take part.”