Where: Gloucester Cathedral

When: October 9-30

Gloucester Cathedral has partnered with the Bishop of Gloucester and the Nelson Trust to launch a powerful art exhibit and event for Prisons Week 2017.

The exhibit titled Peaceful Shelter, by artist Johnny O'Hanlon, will launch on Monday, October 9, in Gloucester Cathedral as part of Prisons Week.

The sculpture was created in collaboration with inmates from HMP Swinfen Hall in Staffordshire. A group of survivors of domestic abuse created artwork and messages on display inside the sculpture.

The Bishop of Gloucester, the Right Revd Rachel Treweek, is hosting a launch event at which Johnny O'Hanlon will introduce the work.

She said: "This art installation speaks both of the uniqueness of each individual and of our connectedness as human beings.

"The sculpture's peace-filled space invites us to reflect on the power we each have to diminish or enhance the lives of those around us; and I hope it will both increase awareness of different forms of abuse and the impact it has on people's lives.

"For me, it conveys God's transforming hope and life and I'm delighted that it is being exhibited in the Cathedral, which itself is a peaceful shelter."

In addition, the public are invited to join a special, free, evening talk to mark the launch and the start of Prisons Week.

Johnny O'Hanlon will speak before guest speaker Vicky Davis, HM Prison and Probation Service CFO3 team leader for the Nelson Trust will present a talk about the work of the trust with offenders, and those at risk of offending, in Gloucestershire.

The Nelson Trust is a leader in the innovative treatment of addiction and the rehabilitation of offenders. They specialise in trauma-informed approaches to working with women on the periphery of society.

The Peaceful Shelter will be launched by Bishop Rachel at 3pm on Monday, October 9, with speeches by the artist Johnny O'Hanlon and Vicky Davis from the Nelson Trust.

The Peaceful Shelter public launch and Prisons Week talk by Vicky Davis of the Nelson Trust will take place on Monday, October 9, at 7pm in the Chapter House of Gloucester Cathedral. This is a free event, although spaces should be booked in advance to guarantee a seat. Contact Helen Jeffrey to secure your space on 01452 229838.

The Peaceful Shelter will be on display in the South Transept of Gloucester Cathedral from October 9 to 30.

Picture caption: The Peaceful Shelter by Johnny O'Hanlon