CONFLICT ART

Yesterday with the warm weather we took the opportunity to go into the city to look at some of the art and graffiti that has come from the conflict. It was interesting to see that all of the professionally painted murals have been there a long time and represented historical events however the more vandalism type of graffiti seems to be more recent and seems quite sectarian. We looked at photos from similar areas from the 80's and saw that the same things were being painted on walls then but why are some people still doing this now despite 20 years of peace? 

 This wall is in the Fountain which is the only Protestant estate on the west bank of the city. The message highlights their frustration that the area is still attacked.

 Sectarian Graffiti in the Fountain estate. 

 Painted curbs in the Fountain.

 Poppy Mural on the wall of the Fountain Community centre. A lot of the murals around the centre are dedicated to the First world war.

 UDA mural on the wall of the Cathedral Youth Club.

 West Bank Loyalists. 

 Security Fences in the Fountain to protect houses from attack.

 This sign is in the covered entrance to the Fountain, the gates get locked at night to prevent attacks.

 Free Derry corner is now used as a place were many social issues are highlighted.

 Mural showing a scene from the battle of the bogside, also a hezbollah sign.

 Pillars of society???

 Around the Bogside we saw lots of anti police graffiti.

 Another battle of the bogside mural which also has a memorial to a young person who was accidently killed by a bomb

 Breaking down the walls?

OUR CITY

 This week we were out and about around the city learning about the history and planning for an upcoming project we are going to be doing with the MPower group from Carrickfergus. It will involve us giving them a guided tour of Derry/Londonderry so we thought we had better brush up on our knowledge. Here are a few photos from our walk around the walls and some of the places we'll be visiting. 

 St Columbs Cathederal

 The Guidhall

 A cannon on Coward's Bastion

The Great Hall in the Guildhall

                                                   MENTAL HEALTH SESSIONS


We have been looking at causes of mental health, what the effects are and who and what is there to help. Here is some of what we have found out.

Having a mental health problem is no different to having  a physical health problem. 

Ignoring mental health problems won't make them go away, its a matter of recognising the symptoms, finding a way of treating them and taking steps to prevent the problem happening again by looking after your mental health.

Poor mental health is nothing to be embarrassed or afraid about. If you have a problem it is best to talk about it and seek help.

                                         WHO DOES POOR MENTAL HEALTH EFFECT


Many people suffer from poor mental health, it can affect anyone. It affects at least one of five of the population. 

There is a huge stigma around mental health and when people think of it the often tend to think of conditions such as depression and schizophrenia. However mental health problems can also be common conditions that affect all of us on a day to day basis, for example, anxiety, stress and "feeling down".


                                                     WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

If you feel anxious, worried or overwhelmed by your problems.

If you notice changes in your eating or sleeping patterns.

If you feel angry or distressed for no reason.

If you find it difficult to focus, lack concentration or you find it hard to make decisions.

If you recognise any of the above, here are some help lines that may be helpful.

Foyle Search and Rescue:
92871313800

Lifeline:
08088088000

Zest (9am-5pm):
02871266999

Samaritans:
08457909090

Drink Helpline (24 hr):
08009178282

Drugs Helpline (24hr):
0800776600

Childline (24hr):
08001111







      

Hello

This started out as a trip to photograph sectarian graffiti for a community relations project but as we looked for signs of this along the quay something else struck us. Although our riverside is a beautiful place it is also a sad place for many families and standing there it is easy to feel this. The photographs taken on our visit to the river hopefully capture both the beauty and sadness as you walk along the quay and they provided us with an opportunity to talk about something that isn't easy to talk about. Some of us have stood there alone and never spoken about it till now. We would like to thank everyone who has helped us start this journey and given us the opportunity to share our stories through our art.