Jo Keay has been a lead artist on courses held at Open Arts, on High Street, Hadleigh, since its inception in 2012.

While Open Arts – which helps manage and maintain residents’ mental health and wellbeing through creativity – has been unable to welcome visitors through its doors due to Covid-19 restrictions, Jo has gone above and beyond to offer support.

Kathy Thomas, from Westcliff, has been helped by Jo since coronavirus first turned our lives upside down 12 months ago and the Open Arts manager has been remaining in contact with studio members throughout.

Kathy said: “Jo has kept Open Arts going throughout the pandemic.

“She has provided a lifeline for those living with mental health difficulties and carers.

Thumbs up - Jo Keay with Father Christmas

“Jo has been telephoning us regularly to check in with us and see how we’re doing.

“She has provided art materials to those of us that need them and, last summer, she held regular socially distanced meet-ups in local parks to sketch and chat.

“She also arranged online slideshows of our lockdown artwork and has facilitated us keeping in touch with each other through Zoom, Whatsapp and Facebook.”

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Kathy admits she does not know how she would have got through the pandemic without Jo.

She added: “I don’t know if Jo realises how important Open Arts is for us.

“It is a lifeline and she has given me my life back.

“Thank you doesn’t seem like it enough. She is a star and brings light and joy to our lives.”

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