Student’s art and music event to raise awareness of refugees, homelessness and deprivation

A student from the University of Northampton is using art and music to raise awareness of the refugee crisis, homelessness and deprivation.

International Relations and Politics undergraduate Lara Hamer has organised the Time To Be Helpful art exhibition event, which takes place in the Phoenix bar, Northampton town centre, on Saturday evening.

All profits from the event, which will also include live music, will go to Helpful Humans, a voluntary organisation which supports people in the UK and abroad.

“It will be a nice, casual way of raising awareness, we don’t want to depress anybody, but in order to change something and help people, we need to inform the public about the issues, so that we can collectively make a difference,” said Lara.

After becoming a Helpful Humans volunteer last year, Lara wanted to raise awareness of what is going on in the local community and beyond, to inspire others to make a positive impact.

All the profits will go to Helpful Humans, a voluntary organisation which aims to make the world a better place and help others rebuild their lives. Its volunteers also run front-line aid trips, helping the refugees and distributing food to people who struggle in the UK and abroad. Some of the volunteers also help in Northampton, providing hot meals to people in need every Saturday night in Abington Street.

Exhibition-goers will be able to view photographs taken by two Syrian artists from different parts of Europe and the Middle East, focusing on the refugee crisis.

Croatian artist, Tinka Ines Kalajzic, will also exhibit pictures she took in a refugee camp last year. Live acoustic music on the evening will be provided by University of Northampton students.

Entry is £5 on the door and includes a welcome drink. The event starts at 8pm in Phoenix, 94 Lower Bridge Street, Northampton.

For more information about Helpful Humans, watch the video.