We launch a new art therapy programme for children and young patients at St. Mary’s hospital paediatric department

From November 2019, ArtSocial Foundation launches a new programme for art therapy provision at St Mary’s hospital paediatric department. Over the course of the year, the programme will enable transformative art psychotherapy for over 200 young patients up to the age of 18 who are seriously ill, hospitalised or undergoing medical treatment.

A trained and experienced art psychotherapist, fully funded by ArtSocial, will work closely with hospital staff to incorporate art therapy into the hospital’s holistic support to young patients and their families during their personal journey. The sessions will be facilitated by Imperial Health Charity as part of its arts engagement programme.

Over the course of a year, the initiative will support around 200 young patients up to the age of 18 who may be suffering as a result of a major trauma incident or long-term chronic health conditions. The art therapist will provide a combination of bedside activities, one-to-one and group sessions, as well as family and sibling sessions. 

“We are incredibly proud to be working with Imperial Health Charity and the exceptional staff at St Mary’s Hospital to expand the provision of art therapy for young patients. At ArtSocial, we are passionate about the benefits of art therapy for young people and how art can be a refuge for the feelings and emotions experienced at times of stress and trauma. We view this initiative as a long-term responsibility, with a plan to expand the programme to The Royal Brompton Hospital and other London hospitals.” - states Alina Uspenskaya, Founder and Director, ArtSocial Foundation.