Carole Finds Peace And Joy In Her Heart Again

Festive celebrations have begun early for a talented Leyland artist who has scooped top prize with her Christmas card design in a competition organised by national charity Shaw Trust. But the win is only one of the reasons why Carole Bell has good reason to celebrate this Christmas.

Since joining Shaw Trust's ground-breaking Chorley and South Ribble Employment project Carole has found the support she needed to overcome mental health problems which have stopped her from working as an artist.

"I've always painted but illness prevented me from having any success with my art, it's been great to get some recognition by winning this competition," said Carole 51, who was forced to give up her own art business 13 years ago when she was diagnosed with a serious mental illness Bi-polar disorder.

"Over the years I've wanted to work but every time I attempted it I have become ill again because Bi-polar is aggravated by any form of emotional problem or stress.

"I can't cope with a paid job and all the pressure that goes with it, but this voluntary project has been great for me," said Carole, who joined the Trust's project at Windmill Designs in March and now works with community groups to help others through her art.

"It's nice to know I'm finding a way to give something back. I get a real thrill out of helping others and using my skills too. It's been marvellous for me.

"I find it very therapeutic because it's also helping me feel part of the community, I'm getting back into society again and I'm a lot happier, Shaw Trust and Windmill Designs have helped me immensely," she said.

Shaw Trust Project leader Kath Moran and senior Shaw Trust managers will be on hand at a prize-giving lunch to celebrate Carole's win on Wednesday (Dec 19th).

The card is being sent out to all supporters of the Trust which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary of helping people with disability or disadvantage to find work and achieve independence.

"She is a very creative person who is finding her confidence again and there has been a dramatic difference in her. Her work is excellent, she is a very talented artist," Said Kath.

Carole is now planning to take a teaching qualification in the New Year through the Trust, but will continue working in a voluntary role at the project.

"The Trust has been marvellous, I'm so appreciative of them and of everyone at the project, we all support each other.

"I may have this illness but I am a normal person, I like to be out there taking life on. Life is a challenge, I can't live a totally stress-free life and rap myself in cotton wool, I have to face life and with the support of the Trust I am finding a way to live with my problems and help others too, " Carole said.

Editors Notes

1. For further details, please contact Shaw Trust Communications Manager Sara Lyddy or Becky Gammon on 07779 784901 or you can email: crucialpr@shaw-trust.org.uk

2. Shaw Trust is a national charity, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, which helps people with disability or disadvantage to find work and achieve independence. We do this not only by delivering governement programmes, but also through our own self-funded initiatives and by campaigning to change attitudes at all levels.

3. Shaw Trust has grown into a world-renowned international organisation, which over the years has supported nearly 160,000 disabled and disadvantaged people and helped some 50,000 of them into work.

4. Across the UK more than 1,200 staff now oversee a diverse range of more than 200 projects.

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