We would like to wave a farewell and thank you flag for Matt Prescott who has served Genesis Trust for eight years as Life Skills Facilitator and before that as a volunteer helping to run Life Skills art activities. Matt has had a huge impact on the lives of so many people over the years especially because of his artistic and creative talents and his desire and compassion to help people to thrive.
He has said, ‘I get so much out of teaching people and seeing people gain confidence as they try something new and interact with our groups.’
He studied Art and Graphic design at Bath Spa University and then an MA in Animation at UWE. So he has been able to share his art and animation skills with our guests through courses and creative 1:1 sessions. Music is also a talent and Matt ran many enjoyable drumming workshops (under the expert supervision of one of our clients, Wes) and ukulele groups (in collaboration with a client, James) which everyone loved and felt uplifted.
Of particular note was the support that Matt gave during the COVID pandemic lockdowns. He ran live stream art over Facebook featuring still life, watercolour, cartoons, illustrations, animation and lettering. Clients could watch and participate through doing their own art at home and commenting and voting on what to do next. Other activities were over Zoom such as the Faith Group and music sessions.
It was a life saver for many clients, ‘I don’t know how I would have coped without the art, Faith group, desert island discs and Ukulele lessons. Matt really kept me from going to pieces. Thank you.’
In recent years this developed into Creative Art 1:1s with Matt as part of our Life Thrive support for clients. Creative Art was a perfect combination of Matt’s creative skill and his years of experience working with vulnerable people, some suffering the effects of trauma and mental health issues.
‘We offer Creative 1:1s over a six-week period for people who we have identified need more in-depth support but who might struggle with simply talking…some people feel more comfortable talking when they have something to do. This is a safe space for talking but leans into the benefits of creativity. It has been wonderful to see how well these sessions have been received.
As Matt observed; ‘I find when we do a creative task 1:1 a guest will open up about their struggles, how their trauma effects them and what ‘triggers’ their anxiety.’
Having such a therapeutic outlet like art is a powerful tool for coping with trauma, and managing mental health challenges and promoting emotional healing. It provides a space to explore experiences and emotions without judgment and allows our guests to work through difficult situations. One person supported by Matt was Kerry. She worked through her addiction, anxiety and depression with creative art to move on within the community and building her self-esteem and confidence.
Kerry says, ‘Matt helped me with 1:1 for over a year. There were so many different things he helped me sort out that without his help I couldn’t do. My PIP application. Referrals to outside art courses and volunteering opportunities. He supported me emotionally when things were difficult and SMART Recovery group has helped my recovery journey. Through Creative Art 1:1 with Matt I was able to become part of the Bath community – I’m volunteering, going to the gym and meeting new people. Matt was always so kind and helpful to me.’
Another area that Matt supported our clients in Genesis Life Projects is our SMART Recovery course. SMART stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training and is an addiction recovery programme that provides training and tools for people who want to change their problematic behaviour, including addiction to drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, food, shopping, internet and others.
One participant feels that ‘SMART has been a big support for myself and my recovery. We are a diverse group but with a common goal that helps me identify with others and see the things in myself I need to work on.’ We are so grateful for how Matt has been instrumental in helping people to navigate through challenging times and to make positive changes in their lives.
Last but definitely not least, the Faith Group led by Matt has been a highlight of many of our guests’ week. We find that often people are disconnected from themselves and from others and we aim to support and help them to be reconnected. People may be seeking spiritual reconnection as well and so we offer the choice to ask questions and to explore faith. Our Faith Group meets on a Tuesday to explore the Christian faith further and these meetings give the opportunity to ask big questions and learn more about Jesus and the hope he brings in our lives.
One guest said, “I am so grateful to Matt and the staff. The Faith Group is a real blessing for me. My faith is strengthened every week because of this. We all gain so much from coming every week. Thank you so much.”
All of us at Genesis are so grateful for Matt too, and as you have read, he has had a huge impact on the lives of so many people over the years including his colleagues. We will miss him!
When asked for a highlight of his time with Genesis he says, ‘I can’t pick any one thing, it’s overwhelming, the amount of wonderful, creative projects we have done that a lot of people have benefitted from. I’ve learned so much and really grown as a person. Thank you Genesis.”
Matt is developing his own art and we encourage you to look at his fantastic work on his website and social media.
www.mattprescottprints.etsy.com
https://www.instagram.com/mattprescottprints
You can follow his art and illustration tutorials on YouTube too.
https://youtu.be/C12ymxh415U?si=cybIuo5MkCaOmanB
From all the staff, volunteers and guest at Genesis Trust we wish Matt the very best for his new ventures and say a big thank you!
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