Visitors to Eco Town in Leyland are now greeted by a vibrant new art gallery, and it’s one with a message!

Every piece on display has been created by people who attend Caritas Care’s Vision in People (VIP) day service, using only recycled materials. Their powerful artwork challenges how we think about waste and shines a light on the importance of protecting our planet.

The project began when staff at VIP explored recent updates to local recycling rules, including the introduction of food waste bins. Seeing an opportunity for learning and creativity, they arranged a visit to Eco Town, an interactive recycling education centre in Leyland.

During the tour, the Eco Town team invited VIP to take part in something special,to create a new gallery space using art made entirely from recycled items. The goal was to help visitors, especially young people, understand the lasting impact of rubbish on the environment and inspire them to make more sustainable choices.

Back at their centre, the group threw themselves into the challenge. Through a series of creative sessions, the VIP artists researched how long everyday waste takes to decompose, how much rubbish the world produces each year, and how this affects wildlife, oceans, and pollution. They transformed their findings into a series of thought-provoking artworks made from their own discarded materials.

Now proudly displayed in Eco Town’s dedicated gallery space, these unique pieces are sparking conversation and inspiring visitors, from school groups to families, to think differently about waste.

“I was very proud to hand in the finished art,” said Jenny Sisson, VIP Assistant Manager. “When I saw them on the wall, I was just bursting with pride. We learned so much through this project, not just about recycling, but about how powerful art can be in telling a story and inspiring change.”

James Haigh, Director of Adult Services and Operations at Caritas Care, added:

“Our service users never fail to impress us. They took on this challenge with real passion and creativity, and the results speak for themselves. Seeing their artwork displayed at Eco Town has filled me with pride. It’s more than just art, it’s a message about protecting our planet and changing mindsets.”

Eco Town offers an immersive recycling experience for schools, families and community groups. Visitors can take part in guided tours, interactive games, and classroom activities, learning about the recycling process in an engaging, hands-on way.

With their artwork now part of the Eco Town experience, the people who attend Caritas Care’s VIP service have found a powerful new platform to educate others about sustainability and champion environmental awareness, proving that even rubbish can be turned into something remarkable.