Developing Health and Independence (DHI), the social inclusion charity, held its 25th Anniversary Impact Event on Thursday evening at the Museum of Bath at Work. It was a powerful and emotionally charged evening.
The motto of the charity is ‘Turning Lives Around’, and the exhibition and event illustrated the profound effects DHI’s work can have on its clients. Many DHI clients, past and present, gave honest and courageous accounts of their journeys through struggles with issues such as homelessness, drugs and alcohol, poor mental health, the criminal justice system and more, and how they reached out to DHI for support that ultimately helped them take steps to turn their lives around.
The Impact Event was the culmination of a moving exhibition of photographs featuring people who have used DHI’s services since 1999. The exhibition showcased DHI’s work through the portraits and words of people who at one point or another in their life felt excluded and alone, and with support recovered their self-esteem and self-worth.
Client Achievement Award winner for ‘Distance Travelled’, Amy Veale (pictured top), had experienced years of trauma resulting in a battle with drugs and alcohol which ultimately resulted in the removal of her children. Amy said, “I’ve had so much pain in my life. I didn’t know any better, I felt like I didn’t deserve any better. Then I found DHI. This amazing service and an angel of a keyworker saved my life.”
Amy is now reestablishing contact with her children and has started having them to stay with her for weekend visits.
17-year-old Alex Fordham is a DHI Peer, supporting clients in DHI’s young people’s services, having been supported by the service himself after becoming involved in crime, alcohol and drugs at an early age. “I spent the majority of my youth drinking and doing drugs. By 15 I was sleeping on the streets. I had completely isolated myself. I forgot what it was to be happy.
“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for DHI. Shannon, my DHI support worker, was the one person I looked forward to talking to. I’ve now been clean and sober for two years. My life is amazing now; I’ve got my family back, I’ve got friends, I work. I put my head on the pillow at night and I have peace of mind.”
One of the stars of the show was professional photographer Darius Jéan, who not only appeared as a subject in the exhibition, but also took all the stunning portraits.
Darius said, “What I really wanted to come across was people coming out of the darkness and into light. DHI supported me through a very vulnerable time in my life. They provided me with the stability of a place in their supported housing, where I was encouraged into education, finishing with an honours degree from Bath Spa University.
“By the time I had completed my education I was housed into my own home from where I was able to rebuild my life. It feels exciting to be part of the 25th anniversary of such an incredible organisation, which has influenced my life.”
The evening generated profound feelings of belonging and community among those who attended. Attendees commented:
- “It was such a wonderful, inspiring, and quite frankly emotional evening.”
- “Really emotional… DHI is like a big family that all helps each other and never gives up on anyone.”
- “Blown away by the courage and honesty of people’s stories and how they’ve got their lives back. The speakers really bared their souls, it was brilliant seeing the hope they give others.”
Thanks to Marlin Communications for helping to fund the event.