At-risk girls pull no punches in exhibition

The meaning of healthy relationships is the theme of the exhibition being staged tomorrow evening.

All the work on display at The Beck, in Killingbeck, has been created by teenage girls who are either at risk of or have experienced domestic violence and sexual exploitation.

The Beck project is part of regeneration charity re'new, and works with 13- to 19-year-olds in East Leeds, providing services and activities covering a wide range of topics including physical and sexual health, drugs and alcohol advice, conflict resolution and anger management.

Over two months, eight young women have participated in a weekly mentoring course at The Beck, using the group to explore their personal standards in relationships and share experiences.

Part of the course has seen them creating posters giving advice to others in similar circumstances.

Team leader Becky Jones, who works with group members, said: "We are so proud of the progression the girls have made in the last two months; the exhibition is a great way to showcase their achievements.

"The art work illustrates their personal experiences and reflects the way the project has helped in their individual development. It also demonstrates The Beck's dedication to providing support to young people from the East Leeds area.

"All the girls use the group as a means of peer support, and this is the second time we have run this course. It has equipped them to help friends who are also locked in unhealthy relationships."

The exhibition takes place between 5pm and 6pm. Following this invitation-only event, there a possibility the art work will be on public display in Leeds Art Gallery.