Professional artist receives Points of Light Award from Prime Minister
A professional artist has won the prestigious Points of Light Award for her spray painting charity ‘U Can Spray’.
Sarah Gillings, from Newick, founded the charity in 2017 to help disengaged young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). They benefit from learning about professional art making and production through live projects and workshops.
The Points of Light Award celebrates outstanding individuals who are making a difference within their community. Every week day the Prime Minister recognises an inspirational volunteer with the Daily Point of Light Award.
According to the Office for National Statistics, 11.2 percent of 16–24 year olds in the UK were NEET between April-June this year.
Mrs Gillings said: “What Theresa May liked about U Can Spray was that it is a great idea to get young people out of unemployment.
“Young people need to be able to be offered creative spaces whether it be DJ mixing or whatever they want to do.”
She added: “Spray painting does smash gender stereotypes and can show girls that they can do it. They can be mural artists, move onto interior design and can climb buildings and do it as well.”
Research has revealed that culture can have a positive effect on the poverty-stricken, as it inspires young people to learn and gain skills.
The artist added the importance of finding a permanent base in Sussex for her charity.
She said: “If you have a base you can follow young people through a process of years and that’s how you can map the impact you’re making.
“You have to know how many have gone into training, education and are no longer a NEET.”
The charity will be holding drop-in sessions from 25–27 October at The Orchards Shopping Centre, Haywards Heath.
