At Lucy Adams House, our homeless hostel, the lounge is a space where residents come together to talk and support one another. While it was already well used, the team felt it needed something more, to help brighten up the room.  

This is where the idea of a mural came from. The project was introduced by Karen, one of our support workers, and the vision was to create a space that felt warmer, brighter and more like home. 

That’s where local artist Sarah-Marie from Sunflower Artistry came in. Sarah-Marie volunteered her time to this project, and she has created something truly special. 

Designed by residents, for residents 

From the very beginning, residents were at the heart of the project. 

After receiving an initial brief, Sarah-Marie created several design ideas, which were then shared with residents. Through group discussions and resident meetings, people talked openly about images, colours and themes that resonated with them. 

The final design was shaped entirely by resident feedback. 

“It was really important that residents had ownership,” said Lucy Adams House manager, Rebecca. 

“This is their home. Having a say in how it looks makes a huge difference.” 

Our team supported the conversations, but every decision, from concept to final design, was led by residents themselves. 

Bringing the mural to life 

What was originally planned as a multi-day project turned into an incredible one-day transformation. 

Despite juggling personal commitments and working at a pace, Sarah-Marie completed the mural in a single day, carefully layering colour and depth to create a piece that looks as though it took weeks. 

“I normally try to space my work out,” Sarah-Marie explains. 

“But due to other commitments, I had to be able to do it in a day, I have never worked that fast in my life”. 

Throughout the day, residents and members of our team regularly popped in to watch the progress unfold. 

“It was fascinating seeing it come together,” Rebecca said. 

“You’d check in every hour, and it would look completely different, the layers, the detail, the way it evolved.” 

The finished mural instantly transformed the room, making the space feel brighter and more welcoming. 

A space that feels like home 

Lucy Adams House supports people from many different backgrounds. While there can be common misconceptions about homelessness, the reality is far more complex. At its heart, the service is about support, stability and helping people move forward, never writing anyone off, and always keeping the door open. 

The mural has helped strengthen that feeling. 

“The reactions have been amazing,” Rebecca shared. 

“Even residents who don’t normally show emotion have been genuinely moved by it.” 

Here is what some of the residents had to say: 

“I love it, it’s an important analogy. A new beginning that is only a small walk away.” 

“It resonates with the atmosphere of Lucy Adams House. It shows hope, passion and highlights support that is there for us.” 

“It is very good. We need to have more art around, it brings the place to life.” 

“It is the journey, very inspirational. Shows you can choose your own path.” 

Art with purpose 

For Sarah-Marie, projects like this are about far more than painting walls. 

Through Sunflower Artistry, she supports charities and non-profit organisations wherever possible. Her work often focuses on emotional spaces, places where art can bring comfort, connection and healing. 

“I like to do things that matter,” she said. 

“Art can change how a space feels, and how people feel within it.” 

That belief is now clearly visible at Lucy Adams House. 

The mural is a mix of collaboration, creativity and care. It represents residents having a voice, team members going the extra mile, and the power of community partnerships. 

We’d like to say a huge thank you to Sarah-Marie of Sunflower Artistry, Karen for bringing the idea forward, and to the residents of Lucy Adams House for shaping something truly special. 

Sometimes, hope really can be painted. 

More about Sarah-Marie 

Alongside her community projects, Sarah-Marie runs a wide range of art classes and workshops across the local area. 

Rather than working from a studio, she hires community spaces such as village halls and pubs, making her sessions accessible and welcoming for everyone. She also delivers online teaching, alongside creating her own artwork from a small but well-loved creative corner in her dining room. 

Her classes range from general art workshops to popular-themed sessions, including pet portrait workshops, which remain in high demand. 

Alongside this and to support her charity work, she sells her pieces at affordable prices once a year. This allows her to support a wide range of charitable causes throughout the year. 

“It means I can sometimes do projects for free,” she said. “It helps cover the materials and the time”. 

Sarah-Marie carefully chooses which projects she supports, focusing mainly on non-profit organisations and registered charities. This allows her to ensure her time and skills are going towards causes that genuinely benefit the community. 

She does this whilst also balancing paid work to make sure she can continue giving back sustainably. 

“I like to do things that make a difference.” 

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