City of Wolverhampton Council has worked with an 11-year-old girl and her family to turn her heartfelt messages of positivity into lasting feature for the city.
Neriyah-Faith Spencer created handwritten posters with uplifting messages such as ‘you are amazing’ and ‘you are stronger than you think’ in a bid to help cheer up people across the city.
After becoming aware of the positive messages, City of Wolverhampton Council contacted the family to propose a more permanent location for the artwork and help spread Neriyah’s messages.
Working together, Neriyah’s cheerful messages were selected, designed and enlarged then displayed on walls in Chesterton Road, off the Cannock Road. Now, residents, commuters and visitors are able to enjoy Neriyah’s positive artwork.
Neriyah said she was thrilled to see her messages displayed across the city: “I’m so happy that my messages are on the walls for everyone to see,” she said. “I just wanted to make people smile and feel happy, and it’s really exciting to see my shared with so many people.”
Her dad, Daniel, said that he was incredibly proud of his daughter and said: “Neriyah started this because she wanted to help people feel better, especially when they’re having a hard time.
“I’m so proud of her for thinking about others, and I’m really grateful to the council for working with us and helping her spread that positivity in such a supportive way.”
Councillor Stephen Simkins, Leader of City of Wolverhampton Council said that the project showed the power of kindness and community spirit.
“Neriyah’s messages are simple, honest and full of heart,” he said. “We were delighted to work with her and her family to find a way to celebrate her positivity.
“These displays are a reminder that small acts of kindness can make a big difference, and we’re proud to help share that message across Wolverhampton.”
The council hopes the displays will continue to brighten people’s days and inspire others to spread kindness in their own communities.