Friern Barnet charity offers creative haven for people with disabilities

Community Focus Inclusive Arts, located at Friary House in Friern Barnet, offers creative and wellbeing courses designed for local residents with disabilities and additional needs. The organisation provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals aged 10 and over, as well as adults, to develop new skills, gain a sense of achievement, and socialise.

Fulfilling potential through art

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Phil Powell, head of communications and marketing at Community Focus, explained that the centre aims to help students fulfil their potential. "We deliver creative lessons so our students can fulfil their full potential, learn new skills, gain a sense of achievement and socialise in a safe, friendly environment," Powell told the Barnet Post. The tutors are practising artists who bring their expertise to the classes. For individuals aged 18 to 30, the ARTiculate project, managed by Flo Alfrey, focuses on teaching transferable skills to aid in finding employment, as funding often ceases after the age of 18.

Anna Hor, interim CEO, highlighted the centre's role in providing an alternative to home as a safe space. "For people with disabilities and additional needs, home is often their safe space. The outside world can be very scary," Hor stated. The organisation strives to offer a place where individuals can be themselves without the pressure of 'pretending to be normal'.

Podcast challenges stereotypes

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Community Focus has launched a podcast named Dis-labeled, created and presented by individuals with disabilities, learning disabilities, autism, and long-term health conditions. Funded by the National Lottery, the podcast is available on streaming platforms and Resonance 104.4 FM. Phil Powell reported that 80 episodes have been recorded, providing a platform for participants to share experiences, interview guests, and challenge stereotypes. The podcast aims to give a voice to those who might otherwise be unheard and has gained international resonance.

Retail collaboration and future plans

Students from Community Focus recently collaborated with the shop Philanthropy in Golders Green. During the latest Football World Cup, they created hand-printed T-shirts and embroidered second-hand denim items, which were then sold in the shop. Flo Alfrey described the collaboration as "fantastic". Looking ahead, Community Focus hopes to expand its services to accommodate more individuals seeking a creative haven. Powell added that the centre is a "brilliant place" and that those who overlook the community are missing out on what disabled individuals have to teach.