Healthy artwork unveiled

A piece of art carrying a healthy message to St Hughs youngsters in Anerley was unveiled this week at Hilda Lane Community Centre.

A mural spelling out the words “Be Health Wise” is clearly visible at the entrance to St Hughs as part of a national initiative to promote sport. 

Around 20 young people between the ages of 11 and 18 years have been working with professional street artist, Julian Phethean of Positive Arts, to create the colourful mural, which was officially unveiled this week by Crystal Palace Football Club captain, Carl Fletcher and team coach, Kit Symons.

This is the latest of many community initiatives that Broomleigh is involved in.  Other agencies working with Broomleigh in the Positive Futures programme include the Football Foundation, Bromley My Time, Football in the Community, Bromley Community Safety Partnership, Youth Offending Team and Bromley Drug Action Team.

The initiative is part of the Positive Futures project, a three-year programme using sport and leisure activities to make a positive influence on young people’s lives.  The youngsters also attend twice-weekly football coaching sessions in the community centre, with Crystal Palace FC.

Broomleigh Resident Involvement Officer, Moses Kajubi, said: “The youngsters are very proud of the mural, which reinforces an important message to all about looking after your health.  It’s a message that they are putting into practice too, through the Football in the Community coaching sessions.”

After cutting the ribbon to unveil the artwork, Carl Fletcher and Kit Symons chatted and signed autographs.

The young artists were very proud of their work and took great delight in pointing out which areas on the mural they had painted.  They all agreed that it was enjoyable taking part and working with each other on the project.

Artist Julian Phethean has himself been keen on his craft since a young age and produced his first commissioned graffiti mural at the age of 12.  He started working with the youngsters on this project back in August, encouraging them through workshops to plan and come up with ideas before finally completing the artwork.