Artist helps brighten up Number Forty

Visitors to Number Forty on Skinnergate can enjoy an inspirational piece of art thanks to a generous donation by North Yorkshire artist Lucy Pittaway.

Lucy, who has galleries throughout Yorkshire and Cumbria, donated the piece called Rainbow of Hope when she heard about Number Forty’s work.

She said: “I’m so happy to be able to support this project. Too often we hear of terrible situations people find themselves in, especially women and girls so to have somewhere like Number Forty as a place that people can turn to for support is wonderful.

“It’s a much-needed service and provides an approachable way to offer care and guidance in times of distress. I want the artwork to remind people that there is always hope.”

Number Forty is open from 9pm-3am on Friday and Saturday nights to help to anyone who feels vulnerable, unwell or has been a victim of crime. It is staffed by trained security staff and volunteers who are on hand to offer help whatever the situation.

Since it opened at the start of September, Number Forty has helped lost party goers reunite with their friends; provided first aid; helped people get to hospital; called taxis and family members; supported victims of crime and handed out free water, flip flops and ponchos!

Number Forty is supported by the Darlington Safer Streets partnership, which includes Darlington Borough Council and Durham Constabulary. It is just one a number of recent initiatives to improve safety and the feeling of safety, particularly among women and girls in the town centre.

Mike Renton, Darlington Council’s cabinet member for stronger communities, said: “The volunteers at Number Forty are doing an amazing job, providing a brilliant service for anyone who needs help on a night out. This generous donation will make Number Forty feel even more welcoming and is a great reminder of the difference our volunteers make.”

Lucy Hatch, Safer Streets co-ordinator, said: “We were delighted to accept Lucy’s kind donation. We don’t have anything hanging on the walls and this will really brighten up the space. It is amazing how many people have shown support to Number Forty and we are really grateful to everyone who has donated their time, money or items to help us provide this service.”

Safer Streets is a UK-wide Government initiative that has seen County Durham and Darlington receive over £ 1.5m over the last 18 months to make the region safer through a variety of projects.

Photo – Megan McCready from Lucy Pittaway presents the picture to Lucy Hatch at Number Forty