York's homeless community say filling the daytime hours is one of their toughest tasks. Richard Edwards visited a project that helps them do it, while giving them a helping hand towards a better future.

HOMELESS people often say life on the streets is a long and boring existence, with nowhere to go and nothing to do during the day.

This was a story often heard by outreach worker Biruta Trejonis while she was working on a research project with York Salvation Army for national homeless charity Shelter.

So two years ago Biruta set up art and information technology workshops for the homeless.

They were based at Carecent, a centre operated by York Central Methodist Church, in St Saviourgate.

The workshops went so well that a new, permanent post was created for Biruta and The Cornerstone Project was born.

Biruta said: "The project's purpose is to provide a comprehensive programme of meaningful activities for clients to engage in and lay foundations for the future.

"By helping steer them away from the street culture and associated activities we can help equip them for the future."

A mainstay of The Cornerstone Project remains the art workshops, which run on Mondays and Thursdays for three hours, with a five-hour workshop once a month.

Tutor Cheryl Colley said she had about eight regulars, with a lot of "floating" visitors.

Some clients had gone on to produce exceptional work, she said, and exhibitions had been held last year at York City Art Gallery, Borders Bookshop and City Screen Cinema.

She said: "It is all about confidence.

"Some people come in and because of their lifestyle their confidence is really low, so we try and build it back up.

"We do individual work and group projects, which are aimed at building up their social skills."

Terry Colvin is 29 and originally from West Auckland, County Durham.

He has been homeless for three years after losing his job and his flat, but before then used to paint glass as a hobby.

He said: "These workshops are a brilliant idea. They give me the chance to do something I enjoy doing."

Tom Davison, 37, has been homeless for four years.

He said: "These workshops could be really helpful for me in the future.

"I live in the Peasholme Centre at the moment but I am hoping to get resettled, and find employment."

The Cornerstone Project also runs workshops in confidence building, self-esteem, stress awareness, craft and creative writing.

For more information ring Biruta on 07855 857294.

Updated: 10:31 Friday, November 22, 2002