Please make a donation today and help more young people in Milton Keynes access support for their mental health.
Half of all mental health problems manifest by the age of 14, with 75% by the age of 24.
MK Community Foundation, Vital Signs Report 2019
Art, Nature and Wellbeing is a 10-week creative course for young people exploring themes of art and nature. The programme is designed to support young people aged 12–16 living in the Milton Keynes area who may be feeling the effects of depression, anxiety, loneliness or other conditions upon their physical and mental wellbeing. Each week young people explore a new art medium, taking inspiration from nature, in a calm and welcoming space. Previous sessions have included pottery, textiles, natural dyes and printmaking, delivered by a team of artist professionals with support from Milton Keynes Arts Centre.
YIS (Young People's Mental Health) 2020/21 report an increase in referrals to their mainstream service of 21%. The age of children and young people is considered between 7 and 25 years old, out of the referrals, 27.15% are 17 years old. The needs vary depending on the client group, but generally, the primary presenting need is anxiety which accounts for 23% of the referral 8 reasons, second most prevalent need is ‘difficulties in coping emotionally’ at 17% of these referrals and thirdly, suicidal thinking at 16% of the cohort.
Our impact so far
Since September 2021 we have supported 24 young people through our creative courses. Here are a few things young people and their parents have to say about their time with us:
"Thank you so much for holding these, they were all so fun and helped me get out and enjoy life."
“She learnt new ways to be creative, which distracted her from having negative thoughts”
“Enjoyed spending time with other teenagers who feel the same way as her”
“She has been more interested in going outside and enjoying nature, seems more relaxed, maybe from the walks around the grounds and collecting natural items for art works.”
"Grace has had a lovely time and has really enjoyed making new friends and gaining confidence. She has made some amazing artwork".
"I would like to take the opportunity to than you and the team for the last 10 sessions too, it has been really helpful for Kimmi. I can see she was so looking forward to each of the sessions, and she also became happier during the time of the course".
We need your help
At present, our April – July 2023 programme will be our last.
Unless people like you can donate and help us raise £1,300 to cover running costs to deliver a further 10 week creative course in the Autumn/ Winter of 2023.
These funds will help us pay our artist fees, cover the cost of materials and provide space so that we can continue this valuable work with young people.
All contributions, no matter how small, will go a long way in helping us reach our goal.
A donation of...
£5 will cover one weeks materials costs for one young person
£13 covers 1% of running costs for the entire programme, which seems small but it is a HUGE help
£35 will cover an hour of artists time
£130 will cover the equivalent costs for one young person to attend the 10 week programme
Getting involved
If you know a young person who might be suffering with feelings of loneliness, anxiety or depression and might benefit from taking part in these creative workshops, please get in touch.
Spaces are limited and will be designated on a first come, first served basis with a record kept for those wanting to take part in any future programmes*. Please note these workshops are suitable for those with mild physical and mental health challenges and provide a supportive environment to meet like-minded young people of their age only, they are not suitable for those seeking professional support from art therapists.
*As with all our outreach programmes, we rely heavily on the public’s support through donations to keep our charity going. At present we are not able to promise a future Art, Nature and Wellbeing programme, however we can promise that we are doing all we can to secure funding from our supporters.
Partners
Arts For Health MK