AN art exhibition of creative work by people who are supported by Horton Housing Association in the Craven area has officially been launched at Skipton Library.

Creative Fusion – A Journey includes drawings, paintings, poetry and prose done by Horton’s clients since they received support.

The work has been created by clients and volunteers at Horton’s Community Cafés in Skipton and Settle and those supported by Horton’s homeless services at Pinder House in Skipton and has given clients the chance to express their thoughts and feelings through arts, crafts and writing.

Much of this work is done in partnership with local organisations.

Helen Bannister, who manages the Community Cafés, said: “We encourage our clients to pursue a meaningful life and make positive adjustments in our cafés.

“This work portrays each individual’s journey and shows what fantastic creative talent we have amongst our clients.”

Hannah Brown, scheme manager at Horton, added: “At Horton Housing, we are passionate about the benefits of partnership working, and the value this brings to supporting vulnerable people to achieve their goals and achieve positive outcomes.

“Collaborative working runs through all of our work, and in particular has been the key to the success of our Community Cafes. In particular, we would like to thank Dyneley House GP Surgery’s Emma Taylor, North Yorkshire Council’s Adult Learning and Skills Service, and in particular Julie Jones, and also Catherine Barlow form North Yorkshire County Council’s Library Services.”

The launch included short presentations from partner organisations including North Yorkshire County Council’s Library Service, North Yorkshire Adult Learning amd Skills Service and Dyneley House Surgery, as well as Ashley Morgan, who is both a client and volunteer at Settle Community Café and had his own artwork and poetry on display.

The special exhibition is at Skipton Library until Thursday, June 28. It then moves to Settle Library where it can be seen from July 3 to 17 and will finish with a display in Cross Hills Library from September 12 to 26.

Horton runs a number of services in the Craven area, including Craven Stay – housing-related support for homeless people – and Craven Community Cafés at Skipton and Settle. The community cafés provide a lifeline for vulnerable adults who may be affected by social isolation, older people and people with emotional or mental health issues.

They provide a range of activities, including guest speakers, arts and crafts sessions, creative writing, and informal learning and development opportunities in partnership with local agencies.