United Sparkles: artists with learning disabilities make Christmas cards and more

There’s no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person as more.

These are the words that sit on the back of United Sparkles keyrings. United Sparkles is a not-for-profit managed by the Gombards service, who sell cards for all occasions and other merchandise. The items are printed with artwork created by artists who are all supported by United Response.

Gombards is a Residential Care Home for people with severe complex needs. Every single person is very unique and communicates with staff differently. The art group had been active for some years but the Covid-19 pandemic put a stop to a lot of the activity.

Nikki Cowen, Service Manager at Gombards, explained:

After the pandemic I thought, I really want to get our guys back out into the community.

United Sparkles was designed to do just that.

A little helping hand

To make creativity accessible, and to ensure that everyone has the chance to showcase their talents, support workers Diane and Jenna use the hand over hand technique with the artists.

This technique sees the support workers placing their hands over the hands of the artists, and the artists add paint to the page. Using finger and thumb painting, they produce heart-warming pieces perfect for cards, mugs and more.

The designs are finished by Diane and Jenna, before being printed across the merchandise. At this time of year, the team are busy making Christmas cards. Positively Unique, an online shop and collection of high street outlets operated by United Response, support with printing and selling a range of gifts for Gombards.

More than art

United Sparkles is about much more than art. Gombards is an established, experienced, longstanding service provider in Hertfordshire. Their vision is for residents to be fully integrated into the local community and contribute to local life, encouraging natural support networks.

Angela Nelson, Business Development Manager at United Response, explained:

Some of our Gombards residents have lived there for many years. We wanted them to be known, and to feel a part of their lovely community.

Angela and the team have sought out opportunities for the artists to sell their creations around Hertfordshire, and they’re even stocked in some shops.

Nikki added:

People now stop our guys in the village to say hello. For us that’s amazing.

Diane, who supports the artists with their creations, was also really aware of the benefits of getting out into the community.

Reflecting on the success of selling at the local church, Diane said:

We go to the church on a Tuesday morning. It’s lovely because the people at church have come up and introduced themselves to our guys. It’s given our guys a lot. We’re back out in the community, we’re here, this is what we’ve achieved.

Something special for families

The team have had a lot of backing from families, and Diane described one Mum who purchased recently as ‘over the moon!’ These gifts can truly mean the world.

Nikki said:

When the families get a Christmas card from their son or daughter it means masses. It’s something their sons and daughters have achieved.

Diane agreed:

It means a lot. They’re proud of everything we’re doing.

People we support have a right to express their talents, to be artists, cooks, radio hosts and more.

Initiatives like United Sparkles give people the opportunity to be creative and to be part of something special. If you’d like to support United Sparkles, you can buy products from here.

You can also buy in person from Suzzies Florist in Hertfordshire, or directly from Gombards Care Home. Funds will go towards a new summer house.

• Ali Mills is Communications and Engagement Officer for United Response