ARTIST Terry Terentius Andersohn has regained his trust in people thanks to a project aimed at tackling loneliness in Oxford.

Two-and-a-half years ago Mr Andersohn was lacking in confidence and reluctant to meet other people.

But now he has made new friends and restored his confidence thanks to The Archway Foundation.

And his work is being exhibited in a bid to raise awareness of the organisation and issues it tackles.

The Archway Artweeks exhibition at St Columba’s Church, in Blue Boar Street, in the city centre, features work by Mr Andersohn and others affected by loneliness.

Archway was established in Oxford in 1982 to help serve those hurt by loneliness. It now runs an ‘open door’ policy for anyone affected by isolation.

Mr Andersohn, 62, first started using Archway two-and-half-years ago when his marriage broke down.

He said: “When I first visited Archway I just looked around and saw people who were so much worse off than me.

“But it’s a slow process. The most important thing for me is that it’s brought me out of my shell.

“Before, I would have just sat in the corner and not talked to anyone.

“Now they can’t keep me quiet. They have given me back my faith and trust in people.”

All the artwork in the exhibition was created by friends, volunteers and staff of the charity.

Foundation director Sheila Furlong, director of The Archway Foundation, said the exhibition had been very well attended.

She said: “Loneliness can affect anyone at any time during their lives and can be sparked by ill-health, bereavement, relationship break up, redundancy and retirement, and sometimes for no obvious reason.

“The exhibition and Terry’s live painting is a great way to show people that help is on offer for this often neglected issue.

“Archway relies on an enthusiastic team of volunteers.

“There are always opportunities to help out with driving those with mobility difficulties to our weekly social group, or befriending on a one-to-one basis.”

Mr Andersohn said the day had been important in raising vital funds for Archway.

He said: “It was so busy on Wednesday there was barely room to eat my cake and drink tea. It was a good feeling.

“I hope it helped raise money and awareness.

“I think if Archway collapsed and died, there are a lot of people who use it who would follow suit.”

The exhibition runs until tomorrow.