Plymouth care workers flex artistic muscles to celebrate service values

Two support workers from the Kanner Project in Plymouth have channelled their inner Banksy by creating a colourful mural in the service’s entrance hall, displaying the organisation’s values.

Tom Bird and Lee Sutton, who have worked at the service for 8 and 5 years, have painted a number of artworks around the home, inspired by the people who live there.

The Kanner Project is operated by Modus Care, part of Salutem Care and Education, and provides specialist residential care for up to five residents with complex needs, including those with autistic spectrum disorder, learning disabilities and challenging behaviours.

The new mural outlines the values of Salutem Care and Education, set on the backdrop of a nature scene.

The bespoke artwork took five months to complete, due to Tom and Lee’s existing work commitments, and the duo now hope to create further pieces in other homes for individuals to enjoy.

Tom Bird said: “It was fantastic working with Lee, we made a great team and we thoroughly enjoyed putting our creative heads together to make this piece. We both are looking forward to discussing future art work ideas across the company and provide a calm and unique atmosphere for the people we support.” 

Vic Brelsford-Ward, manager at the Kanner Project, said: “I’m incredibly proud of Tom and Lee. They’ve already created some amazing pieces around the home, but this is absolutely brilliant.

“Our values are at the heart of everything we do, and to have them displayed in such a vibrant and eye-catching way will really make them stand out to all our visitors. I’m delighted.”

John Godden, CEO of Salutem Care and Education, said: “Tom and Lee have shown their fantastic creative talent here, and we’re lucky to have them as part of the Salutem family. I hope we’ll be able to see more of their work in our other services. The people we support will absolutely love it.”