Mural with message of hope at new youth centre

Recently-opened Swindon youth centre The Base has a special work of art designed by local young people and children.

The painting at the centre in Park North, which is open to children and young people from throughout the borough, features a drawing of a whale guided by butterflies, with a light bulb depicting hope for a brighter future for all young people in Swindon. 

A QR code also directs visitors towards online resources where they can find advice and guidance on serious violence and child exploitation, among other topics.

A similar mural is in place at the new Children’s Emergency Department at Great Western Hospital, in a project developed in partnership with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, and WAY Swindon. 

Also launched alongside the newly renovated building and mural was an online resource for children, young people, parents and guardians in a project involving several partners including Swindon Borough Council, The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Wiltshire Police, Great Western Hospital and The WAY Project.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, said: “It’s so important that projects like this are led by the children and young people they’re designed to benefit.

“This project and the online resource give our young people more tools in their toolbox to make good choices and offers education and trusted guidance in an ever-complex digital world.

“Whilst Wiltshire and Swindon continue to have the lowest crime rate per 1,000 people, we cannot ignore the very real impact that every incidence of serious violence has on victims, their families, wider communities and the children and young people that live within them.

“Violence breeds violence and projects like this are designed to break the cycle and ensure our young people feel safe in addition to actually being safe.”