Art and creativity play a vital role in supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of children and young people. Through creative expression, they can connect with their emotions, make sense of their experiences, and communicate feelings that might be difficult to verbalise. Engaging in art allows children to step away from the overwhelming influence of technology, giving them space to rediscover the joy of play, imagination, and curiosity that are essential for a fulfilling childhood.
This project encourages the formation of relationships between children and young people through creative activities which will turn into reciprocal peer-to-peer support groups. This provides early intervention, preventative support for children and young people who are displaying mild emotional health and wellbeing concerns, before they might need help from more specialist and crisis services. Sessions offer various art stations where young people can explore self-expression, creativity and connection, focusing on activities that foster the CHIME framework (Connection, Hope, Identity, Meaning and Empowerment).
Using a fluid approach and gathering continuous feedback has helped shape this project to the ever changing needs of young people. They have successfully supported in both naming this project and creating the strapline: one step it all it takes, connect and express yourself through art.
This has been a huge success as an Intervention for our KS3 students. Each and every student has really enjoyed the group and thought Lydia was wonderful. We had chosen some of our hardest to reach children to be added to the group in hopes of improving their attendance and having a soft start to their Fridays.
Jade Leggett, Deputy Director of Inclusion at Ark Charter Academy
The feedback from the children has been nothing but positive, many of them have begged me to put them on for next term too! The attendance has significantly improved and some of the students in the group that have struggled with social anxieties for quite some time were seen chatting away to their peers and Lydia. We are really excited for the next cohort to begin.
Out of all the external providers offering alternative provision for the young people, this one is the most valuable currently. You are an asset to the school.
Creative Therapist at Ark Charter Academy
I really liked thinking about past events in my life and being able to put them into drawings. I also liked using the stones in the session.
Young Person
Thank you
We would like to express our thanks to Ark Charter Academy and The Jonathan Centre for providing us with a venue for delivering these sessions.
If you are a business or organisation who would like to support this project or find out more about what we do, please contact CSR’s Health and Wellbeing Manager, Lydia Galloway, lydia.galloway@portsmouth.anglican.org
