Local Artist Brings YMCA Values to Life

Community, expression, and shared values recently collided in the most colourful way possible across North Tyneside.

Young people from our North Shields and Willington Quay youth groups teamed up with talented local artist Bobby, widely known as Sick Styles, to create a stunning new mural. Rooted in the core values of YMCA North Tyneside, the project gave our youth a platform to show the community what those values mean to them.

For Bobby, stepping into the workshops with the youth groups took him on a trip down memory lane.

“Working with the youth groups from North Shields and Willington Quay was incredibly rewarding. It actually took me back to the community art projects I used to attend when I was younger. It was a powerful reminder of just how vital these creative outlets are for young people—not only as a space to express themselves, but as a way to inspire the next generation of artists.“

The workshops allowed the young people to brainstorm, doodle, and voice their interpretations of YMCA values, giving Bobby the raw inspiration he needed to sketch out a collective vision.

Every element woven into the final design carries a meaning inspired by the young people themselves. Bunched flowers spread across the canvas to symbolise growth and community togetherness, while a winking face captures the playfulness, cheekiness, and warm humour the youth groups brought to each workshop. One of the young people suggested adding thought clouds above the face—an interactive feature where the kids will eventually write their own names and favourite buzzwords, making the artwork a living part of the community. Another powerful touch came from a young person drawing the Eye of Horus; after researching the symbol together, the group discovered it represents protection, healing, and wholeness, perfectly mirroring the supportive sanctuary YMCA provides.

The real magic happened at Picnic in the Park, YMCA North Tyneside’s annual community event, where the design leaped off the page and onto a massive canvas as part of a live art session. Rather than painting behind closed doors, Bobby brought the artwork to life right in front of the community’s eyes.

Painting live completely shifted the energy of the project, turning a piece of art into a shared local experience. Bobby said:

It was a fantastic experience. Creating the piece live gave me a wonderful opportunity to connect with the public and chat about the project’s journey. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and seeing the sheer enthusiasm from the young people as they watched their own ideas come to life in real-time was unforgettable.

When asked about his standout memory of the collaboration, Bobby noted that the entire process left a lasting impression.

The entire project has been an absolute pleasure from start to finish. If I had to choose [a favorite part], it would be that full-circle moment—collaborating with such talented kids and seeing the community rally around their creativity. Every step of this journey has been deeply rewarding.

This mural is a brilliant example of what happens when we invest in our youth and give them the space to be heard. It stands as a vibrant reminder of community strength, youthful creativity, and the lasting impact of YMCA North Tyneside’s values.

A massive thank you to Bobby (Sick Styles) and all the creative young people from North Shields and Willington Quay who poured their hearts into this project! Keep an eye out on our socials for information on the final display location of the art piece.