A Christchurch charity which supports vulnerable women back to independent living had plenty to smile about on Comic Relief Day.

The Water Lily Project has launched a new art initiative, thanks to funding from Comic Relief Community Fund (England).

The charity received £3,890, some of which is being spent to support the running of online art sessions.

Talented artist Anita Dalkin, a support worker for The Water Lily Project, holds the weekly sessions via Zoom to comply with Covid regulations and to support women who may feel too anxious to leave their homes once restrictions change.

Anita, pictured left, follows in the footsteps of her artist father.

She has been painting since eight years old and is no stranger to using the power of art for good causes.

In the past, Anita organised a Refugee Art Exhibition for Churches Together in Poole as well as an art exhibition at Bournemouth University.

It celebrated 50 years of chimpanzee research for the Jane Goodall Institute, on behalf of the famous primatologist Dr Jane Goodall.

Anita said: “Art has a beautiful way of quieting the mind.

“For those who have experienced domestic abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder, the mind can be a whirlwind of thoughts.

“Being able to focus or prioritise daily activities can be a daunting task.

“Providing one hour a week solely for the purpose of creative expression can be very healing.”

Liz Carter, pictured left, Water Lily Project Manager, said: “Lockdown has created so many challenges for us in finding ways to continue to support our beneficiaries effectively.

“These brilliant art sessions utilising Anita’s talents along with her support and listening skills are proving so valuable for the women we support.

“We are so grateful to Comic Relief for the funding which has helped us buy art materials for these sessions.”

Anita added: “I love mixing my love for art with those areas of social justice that I care so much about.”

The rest of the grant will help fund the community café, which has lost revenue in the last three lockdowns, as well as support craft and music activities in planning for when lockdown is lifted.

The Comic Relief Community Fund (England) invests in grassroots community-led organisations and is administered by the national community charity, Groundwork.

Graham Duxbury, national CEO of Groundwork, said: “We’re delighted to support this project.

“The diversity of projects that are being funded shows that local communities have a passion to create something great in their area.”