Highland Support Group presents exhibition in Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

22nd January 2008

A support group that helps families affected by violence against women is displaying an exhibition in Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. The exhibition reflects their experiences of a visit to the Highland Folk Museum.

In July 2007 a group of families supported by CoDAP, the Community Domestic Abuse Programme based in Aviemore and Nairn, had a day out at the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore. The families had a great day dressing up in period costume and followed a trail around the museum, hearing stories on the way.

During their visit, the group took photographs which they have used to put together an exhibition of photographs, craft work and writing to create a flavour of the sights, sounds and tastes of The Highland Folk Museum.

Kim Haywood, Manager of CoDAP, said: "CoDAP tries to organise an activity or outing for service users every year and to use this as inspiration for creative activities. It's great for this work to be displayed as it gives the group a real sense of achievement and allows the wider community to celebrate this achievement with us."

The exhibition is currently on show in the Community Gallery of Inverness Museum and Art Gallery until the 12th February 2008. The Highland Folk Museum at Newtonmore will reopen for the season on the 20th March. Admission is free to both museums - as the success of free admission during Highland 2007 at the Highland Folk Museum is being extended into 2008.

The Highland Folk Museum and Inverness Museum and Art Gallery are part of the Highland Museums service provided by The Highland Council's Education, Culture and Sport Service.

Notes

CoDAP (Community Domestic Abuse Programme)

CoDAP is a local organisation offering support, information and advice to women, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced a violent or abusive relationship.

CoDAP helps women, children and young people with a wide range of problems and issues that may be a worry. Concerns with housing, finances, health, benefits, schooling, the police, social work, disability, mental health and employment can all add to the distress of living with violence. CoDAP can liaise with other local agencies to ensure that you get the support you need. Living with abuse drives down self esteem and confidence and this often results in feelings of worthlessness and isolation. We believe that emotional support is very important and we hope to supply that shoulder to cry on.
Further information on CoDAP: http://www.codapaviemore.co.uk

The Highland Folk Museum

The Highland Folk Museum is situated within the boundaries of the Cairngorms National Park in Newtonmore.

It is a mile long living history site that includes re-constructed buildings, a 1700s 'Township', a 1930s working farm, live interpretation and a range of visitor facilities.

The aims of the Museum include preserving and recording aspects of Highland life from the 1700s onwards, as well as interpreting the people's lives through interactive living history and activities.

The Highland Folk Museum will reopen on the 20th March 2008 and be open for the season until the end of October. Admission is free.

Further information on the Highland Folk Museum: http://www.highlandfolk.com


Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is situated in the historic centre of the city at the foot of the Castle hill.

Inverness' first museum was opened in 1826 by the 'Northern Institute for the promotion of Science and Literature'. Its collections were inherited by the current museum, which was founded on the current site in 1880.

Since then the museum has undergone a number of transformations, most recently in 2006, when the building was extensively refurbished with a range of new displays and visitor facilities.

The Museum offers a great deal more than just exhibitions and displays, with a programme of lunchtime talks, recitals as well as activities for children and adults.

Further information on Inverness Museum and Art Gallery: http://inverness.highland.museum