Arts and Crafts Awards 2019

The 5th Annual CareTech Arts and Crafts Awards were an immense success, celebrating the

talent and creativity of our service users from across the country.

We received the biggest response since the competition began with 400 pieces of artwork

submitted to the staff judges. Our 10 regional winners were excited to see who would be

crowned the national winner, and on the day that honour went to Callum MacLeod, 13,

from Hartlepool School, for his incredible ‘Inspiration Tree’.

Above: Callum accepting his National Award

L-R – Caretech Chairman Farouq Sheikh, COO John Ivers, Headteacher of Hartlepool School Paul

Barnfather, Winner Callum MacLeod, Her Excellency Miss Rawdha Al Otaiba and Caretech CEO

Haroon Sheikh

When asked how he felt about his win Callum said:

‘It’s excellent! I made my tree base with newspaper to represent that everyone has got their

own story; some people might have a good story, some people might have a bad story. No

matter what your story reads you can always branch out to be a better you and find your

own happiness.’

He continued: ‘I used words like Inspire, Grow and Believe, Brave, Kindness, Strength and

Courage because they help me when I’m feeling down. I hope they make you feel better

too.

Above: Callum’s Inspiration Tree, surrounded by entries from regional winners

Paul Barnfather, Headteacher of Hartlepool School, was thrilled for his student.

‘I’m over the moon for Callum and the staff back at the school who couldn’t make it today –

a lot of work went into it. It was a team effort with him and his art teacher, Leanne.’

We were delighted to welcome Her Excellency, Miss Rawdha Al Otaiba, from the UAE

embassy to present the winners with their well-deserved prizes alongside Caretech CEO,

Haroon Sheikh.

Her Excellency delivered a rousing speech (below) in which she spoke of the greater need to

‘recognise people of determination for their talents and achievements’.

To realise this goal, and showcase Caretech’s artwork to a wider audience, the UAE embassy

will partner with us to exhibit this year’s exceptional pieces at their headquarters in London.

The UAE’s aspirations for their “Year of Tolerance 2019” align very much with CareTech’s

five values of being: Friendly, Innovative, Positive, Empowering, Person Centred. It was

moving to see these values conveyed in many of the paintings exhibited, particularly the

entry ‘Safe Journey’ by 15 year old regional winner Kate French.

Above: Safe Journey by Kate French

She told us: ‘I created this piece of art to show that we are all equal and that nobody should

be scared or embarrassed to show the world who they truly are.’

The Cambian Willows resident added: ‘We are all unique individuals and by coming

together, we make this universe beautiful!’

Although the individual entries were impressive, it was equally heartening to see services

decide to enter a singular piece they had worked on collectively.

Regional winner Sharon Lewers, who created the environmental piece Blue Planet

Destruction (above) with the Martello Life Skills Group, spoke of the benefits of teamwork.

‘It’s very good that me and my group won with the help of a good teacher and the Martello

centre. We all worked together, we’re all friends and very close.’ One suggestion for the

caterers however: ‘The food was nice, but next year….chicken wings please!’

Above: Martello Life Skills Group with their Regional Award, presented by CEO Haroon Sheikh and

Her Excellency, Miss Rawdha Al Otaiba.

To provide context to the guests and ensure they got to know the artists better, it was key

that each entry on display was accompanied by a story detailing the inspiration behind it.

Most importantly, the artists were able to describe the significant impact that creating art

has on their well-being and happiness.

Above: CEO Haroon Sheikh addressing the packed room of guests

Caretech Chairman, Farouq Sheikh, was delighted with the event and the calibre of art on

display: ‘It’s been a fabulous afternoon highlighted by this wonderful venue which is

befitting of the wonderful pieces of art that we had. If somebody didn’t tell me this was not

from a London art gallery I wouldn’t be any wiser.

Above: The Caretech Dove Logo immortalised in buttons and a firm fan favourite at the Awards

He added: ‘It’s a real credit and tribute to our residents and how well they’ve done with the

art that we’ve seen – I’ve certainly got my eye on one or two pieces!’

Above: Regional winner Kate French with her prize – an impressive art set so she can start working

on her entry for next year!

Above: L-R Uplands resident John Godding and his Mum enjoy posing with the Instagram frame,

alongside Wheatsheaf service users Elizabeth Oxbury and John Clarke with their

Home Manager Nicola Wassall.

Above: Caretech staff members Raphael Francis, Cillian Devlin, Nicholas Foster and

Andrew Parsonson admire a colourful piece

Thank you to all of our service users, managers, carers and staff for making the afternoon

such a success. We are excited to see the imaginative creations you produce next year!