Community

Community Art Group

Our Community Art Group, organised through our Community befriending service, meets every six weeks, and is led by resident artist, Sam Rutherford. Sam has supported and facilitated our clients finding out where their talents lie, from poetry and painting to sculpting and photography. Sam encourages reflection and to create representation of their lived experience through their preferred medium.

Our Community Art Group was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, to support those in our community who have had challenges with alcohol addiction, or may be experiencing alcohol addiction, in expressing and communicating their experiences through the arts.

“There are no conditions of participation, they [our clients] can relax, socialise, and participate in a creative activity if they want too”.

Maro Psyrra

Communities and Access Learning Coordinator at the National Galleries of Scotland

The consistency and central location of the Portrait Gallery has proved critical for our clients being able to attend and build up their confidence in regularly getting out and in making connections with other members.

“Absolutely love it! I like the challenge, just coming here. Because three years ago I could’ve gotten on a bus, never mind walked along Princes Street”.

Community Art Group Member

Our monthly ‘zine is collated and published, showcasing members most recent art projects. Reaching and keeping those who may not be able to attend up-to-date, inspired and informed of what is going on in their community.

Safe Spaces in
The National Galleries of Scotland

National Galleries of Scotland have provided CARDS Community Members with the venue to create a space which allows them to share their experiences in an inspiring, welcoming environment.

Find out more

Selected works

These images were created by the Self-Reflection by the Guided Self Discovery Group and the CARDS Community. They were shown as part of the Out of Sight Out of Mind exhibition, Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival at Summerhall, Edinburgh.

Through the Looking Glass

This idea started when I was reading Alice in Wonderland with my son. In the sequel Alice looks through the looking glass into a strange and mysterious world. Looking in the mirror I see a world that is recognisable but at the same time unfamiliar, back to front. Should I be scared or curious? Can I overcome my fear and explore this other world?

Impulse

This work is about the interconnected and complicated reasons that people develop alcohol dependancy. It is about the connections and health of the inner body. The electrical impulses of the brain, and the impulse to keep on drinking. I made this work in response to my experience volunteering with CARDS and was also inspired by my own personal experiences of the intertwining of physiology, mental health and trauma.

Help!

Freedom sounds fine but you can’t stay high forever. But what if you’ve forgotten which way is down.

Mind Blowing

Me sitting on a couch facing away from Life.

The chair scare

During high school I really struggled with anxiety & panic attacks. I was very triggered by sitting in certain seats in classrooms and couldn’t sit in the exam hall. 8 years later I returned to the school and the exam hall & classroom. This time I was standing in front of 40 people and presenting to them for 40 minutes by myself. No panic attack and no impending doom, just a full circle feeling of accomplishment.

Just keep swimming

Abstract becoming real

A year of new things, and figuring it out.

Shift

Revolutions involve change, the shifting of ideas. As I grew more comfortable in myself, I grew more comfortable in my non-binary gender. I always knew I felt different, and I could not find words or ways to express it for years. Time and reflection have led to a calm yet joyful acceptance of myself.

“Shift” reflects the ebbs and flows of gender and life. It is a celebration of the joy of living and inclusive diversity.

Choose the light

Even in our darkest moments we have a choice. Life can be so beautiful if we choose the light, from rainbows to nature and family. I hope I managed to portray that in the this image.

Pill bugs

Pill bugs are sometimes called slaters. They are the only crustaceans that Live on land, spending their lives looking for places damp enough to survive. They’re wee, often hidden, but they’re also stubborn, hardy and adaptable!

The Clock of my heart

These are photos of clocks in my house. I’m obsessed with clocks and watches, possibly because I used to live in Greenwich – that’s why I was very mean (time).

Me brain's addled!

An attempt to show the worry and anxiety of brain fog, confusion and memory problems. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s improved my mental health. It removed uncertainty and allowed me to move forward.

Good things are coming

This is how I view my personal revolution. Looking ahead and seeing that good things are waiting for me.

About me

A description of things that are organised or disorganised which are all part of Life and come together.

My fish

My fish means peace and how lovely it is to swim free.

Our community projects

Community and Residential Dependency Support

Homelessness prevention through one-to-one volunteering

Find out more

Community Art Group

Creative group created in partnership with the National Galleries of Scotland

Find out more

Power of Partnership

Positive partnerships created with Edinburgh Headway and Penumbra Milestone

Find out more

Blue Light Training

Specialist training for the Bar Trade

Find out more