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OUR PROJECTS
Here is a list of our current and past projects that support children, young people and their families facing mental health challenges.
Our projects are developed in response to feedback and conversations with young people, families and community groups.
We are also open to working with partners to develop bespoke projects that meet identified needs.
CURRENT PROJECTS
ARTS THERAPY SERVICE
We provide face to face and online arts therapy sessions for children and young people in Exeter with referrals welcome from across Devon.
We offer funded places whenever we can thanks to donations and grants and particularly for those on lower incomes.
We can also be purchased through local authorities, schools and adoption services.
All our Arts Therapists are qualified and professionally registered.
The Social Canvas
The Social Canvas is designed for secondary school-aged young people who are experiencing challenges with their mental health and emotional well being.
Through creative activities in a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment, we encourage young people to explore their thoughts and feelings in creative ways that don't rely on words alone.
Over 16 group sessions participants are supported to develop self-awareness, understand their emotions, and connect with others who may have had similar experiences through art therapy.
We help every young person to express themselves at their own pace, and we help participants discover new strengths, improve their emotional well being and confidence, and develop positive ways of coping.
The Family Pause: a one-off compassionate and creative session to connect and reflect as a family*
Facilitated by an experienced and qualified arts therapist, although not a therapy session, this session can help families gently name and explore their strengths and current challenges, working towards a shared understanding and a plan for next steps.
The purpose of The Family Pause session is to pause and connect as a family in a welcoming and non-judgmental space, take part in optional creative activities together and explore some established resources to help with ongoing family conversation about emotional health and co-regulation.
*We don’t have a set definition of family and welcome families of all shapes and sizes.
Contact us for more information.
Young Arts Club
We are open to applications for this supportive and nurturing arts skills and social group which is all about building confidence whilst being creative together. It is a community arts (not therapy) group and run by trauma- informed and inclusive practitioners. This group is in Exeter on Tuesdays after school at the Exeter Phoenix. No previous experience of the arts is required. For 10-13 year olds.
BY YOUR SIDE: ARTS THERAPY GROUP
A supportive arts therapy group for young people aged 11-16 more at risk of self harm or suicidal thoughts. Fully funded places are now available for the group which will take place at the beginning of 2027 in central Exeter.
Please contact us for more information: referrals@youthartsandhealth.org
Theatre for change: young people's drama group
After requests from local young people, we are hoping to run a new theatre group in Exeter which will bring together young people to learn acting and theatre making skills, and also be accessible for those who prefer smaller groups.
This group will offer opportunities to make new friends, grow in confidence and also create original pieces of theatre on issues that matter to you. Open to all those 13-17 and also welcoming applications from young people who have experienced trauma or difficulties in their relationships with others.
We are looking for funding for this group and would love to hear from potential donors. Please register your interest in attending the group by contacting us.
Anxiety & Me arts therapy
A programme of 1:1 face to face or online arts therapy sessions to help young people better understand and navigate their own anxiety. Open to new referrals where funding is able to be sought and holding a waiting list for those who would require a grant-funded place. We have previously been supported by government funding, Devon Community Foundation and the Self Heal Association.
PREVIOUS PROJECTS
LGBTQ+ art
therapy group
We are seeking to run another group for young people who would like a safe and creative space to explore their thoughts and feelings around gender, sexuality and/or identity with others. This will be an online group facilitated by arts therapists. Please contact us to join the waiting list. Previously funded by The Elmgrant Trust.
Frame of Mind mindful photography project
An online short course of early evening sessions run by a professional photographer and an art therapist to learn some photography tips as well as how we can use photography for wellbeing. This includes a visit to the RAMM in Exeter, our partner for this project. All you need is a cameraphone. Contact us for details about our next group.
Art Therapy & Mentoring
A series of 9 art therapy sessions, followed by 9 sessions with a youth mentor. This project helps young people and young adults address their confidence and any barriers to employment, especially those around mental health. Spaces currently available. Funding is thanks to the European Social Fund.
Coming to Terms art therapy group
An art therapy group in Exeter for teenagers who would like a safe and creative space to process their experience of the Covid-19 pandemic. This programme completed in February 2022. Fully funded thanks to Devon County Council. Contact us to join a waiting list for future groups.
PROGRESSIONS: ARTS THERAPY TO HELP WITH ENGAGING IN EDUCATION
We offer arts therapy sessions in Exeter and East Devon which focus on helping young people to explore and overcome their unique challenges when faced with difficulties returning to school or changing schools. This often includes understanding anxiety, improving confidence to speak out, neurodiversity, recovery from bullying or other negative experiences. We offer supported communication with schools to help with inclusion and feeling more comfortable back in the classroom. Please contact us for an initial
discussion.
We are thankful for the support of our funders and donors who make our grant funded work possible. Would you like to join our community of giving and help us make a difference? You can find out more here.