The colourful painting was unveiled at the same time as the official opening of The Base, a new youth centre in Park North, on Wednesday 26 March. 

Also launched alongside the newly renovated building and mural was a new online resource for children and young people, as well as for parents and guardians.

The project involves several partners including The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Wiltshire Police, Great Western Hospital, Swindon Borough Council, The WAY Project.

The painting, which covers two sites, features a drawing of a whale guided by butterflies towards a light bulb to show hope for a brighter future for all youngsters in Swindon.  This representation is carried on into the Great Western Hospital design which has been created in the Children’s Emergency Unit.

Both murals have been positioned in these locations to support young people in a time of need, building on Swindon’s rich tradition of public art, with murals becoming a vibrant part of the town’s identity.

The design was completed by young people involved in The WAY Project.  The mural at The Base was painted by local artist Dario Santos as there were restrictions on access to the painting due to the site still being completed by builders.  However, the second part of the mural at the Great Western Hospital has been painted by young people.

The mural directs young people as well as parents, guardians, and carers, via a QR code, to online resources offering advice and guidance on serious violence and child exploitation, amongst other topics - Beacons of Hope - WAY UK.

Delivered as part of the Serious Violence Duty, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has funded the project with the aim of driving down serious violence and ensuring young people have the support and guidance they need.

The WAY Beacon of hope mural at The Base Youth Centre, Swindon.

The WAY Beacon of hope mural at the Great Western Hospital, Children's Emergency Unit, Swindon. 

Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, said: “It’s so important that projects like this are led by the children and young people they’re designed to benefit.

“This project and the online resource give our young people more tools in their toolbox to make good choices and offers education and trusted guidance in an ever-complex digital world.

“Whilst Wiltshire and Swindon continue to have the lowest crime rate per 1,000 people, we cannot ignore the very real impact that every incidence of serious violence has on victims, their families, wider communities and the children and young people that live within them.

“Violence breeds violence and projects like this are designed to break the cycle and ensure our young people feel safe in addition to actually being safe.”

Chief Superintendent Doug Downing said: “We support multi-agency initiatives like this as it helps our young people form a positive future.

“Young people are full of hope, aspiration and are naturally innovative. Organisations and initiatives like this really help our young people achieve their full potential.

“Policing is about education and prevention as much as it is about upholding the law – this project is vital for the healthy future of our young people and creating positive communities.”

Dr Claire Broomfield, Paediatric Consultant and Named Doctor for Safeguarding, said: “We are so proud to have worked alongside so many local partners to bring this mural to life, most notably to the incredible young people who came to Great Western Hospitals’ Children’s Emergency Unit to support with the painting.

“The mural shows how we can all support young people in Swindon, and we will continue to work with our partners to ensure that every child gets the physical and mental wellbeing support that they need, both in hospital and out in the community.”

Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “The inclusion of this mural at both the Base and Great Western Hospital is a brilliant example of the benefits of the Council and our local partners working closely with Swindon’s children.

“The new youth centre is an important step in the direction of our mission to build a fairer Swindon, and I am sure this fantastic piece of artwork will be inspirational to the more than 400 children who will use the centre on a weekly basis.”

Sam Lloyd, CEO of the WAY, said: "The ‘Beacons of Hope’ murals at the Great Western Hospital and The Base youth centre are fantastic examples of collaboration with children and young people to make a positive impact on our communities.

“It has been a real privilege to partner with these young individuals—many of whom we previously supported during moments of crisis in the hospital—now using their strengths, talents, and passions to create this incredible artwork.  The murals, along with the linked webpage, will continue to support local children and young people for years to come."

Published Monday 31 March 2025