The British Institute of Human Rights Workshop

Sylvia
Photo by Jo Howell 2011

The workshop at the Welford Centre in Gosforth went remarkably well. We had quite a few people from the centre in the morning who joined us for a discussion about Human Rights and the importance of Rights Act in their lives.

Everyone joined in and had some story or insight to share about Human Rights and their personal lives.

Peter
Photo by Jo Howell 2011

After lunch we were very pleased to see that everyone had returned full of excitement to get on with their creative response to our discussions. The polaroid camera went down a storm with each individual either using the camera themselves or directing their own photographs. As all of the people involved had varying learning difficulties some were able to write their own ideas down whilst others described to us what they wanted to say.

Simon
Photo by Jo Howell 2011

"Article 8

Right to respect for private and family life

1Everyone has the right to respect for his private and family life, his home and his correspondence.

2There shall be no interference by a public authority with the exercise of this right except such as is in accordance with the law and is necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security, public safety or the economic well-being of the country, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others."                                                  - Human Rights Act, government website 26/11/2011
In particular we asked people in the workshop to consider this article in the Human Rights Act, as we quickly realised that family, and in fact a private life, was very important to the people who attended the workshop. Many of the people in the workshop lived in care homes or sheltered accommodation, and having choices about where they live or who they live with is a very important element of the care system.

Thomas
Photo by Jo Howell 2011

Overall we had a fantastic day talking to the people at the Welford Centre, and as far as we can tell they also had a brilliant time that also helped them to think about the importance of Human Rights in a very personal way. Everyone received a scanned copy of their work and all of the originals will be displayed alongside my own response in an exhibition on the 10th December 2011 at the Centre for Life, Newcastle, supported by Arcadea Disability Arts and The British Institute of Human Rights.

David
Photo by Jo Howell 2011

I have blurred out people's faces to protect their identities online but you can view the original work in all of its glory if you come along to the exhibition.
Hope to see you there!
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