From a blank Canvas to personal Change

a project funded by the Heart of England Community Foundation Inclusive Communities Fund. We are excited to announce that we have lowered our age remit to 16+ (previously 18) and expanded our programme to support young people who are struggling with social anxiety and to adjust to adulthood.

“Anxiety has got such a tight grip on me, I just can’t see a future.
It feels like a blank canvas and I have no idea where to start.” – participant 17yrs old

Arty-Folks Canvas to Change project supports young people 16-25yrs old who feel lost, overwhelmed, and unable to give their life direction. We support those transitioning from children to adult mental health services, those unable to progress with their studies or careers, and those who feel unable to connect with their peers in person.

Since the pandemic, we have seen a sharp increase of young people battling with enduring mental health conditions since early childhood, and tragically are now registered disabled. Reflecting on their early life experiences, they feel opportunities to address deep-cutting traumas in a safe space and with the support of their peers would have made a vast difference to their lives. This Canvas of Change project will provide the holistic programme of support young people need to reframe life experiences that can otherwise carry through into adulthood, affecting both physical and mental health to come.

Liah was 19 when she attended Arty-Folks in 2023 and she left us to study Games Design at University. This the summer she will be our Artist in Residence, sharing her art skills and Uni experience with her peers. Here she is on Youtube talking about her experience:

This transformational programme nurtures creative thinking and bolsters their individuality through visual storytelling, 1:1 life coaching, peer volunteering and mentoring that will help them see beyond the limitations of a medical diagnosis. It includes weekly art therapy workshops in a small Creative Peer Support group, Master Classes with digital artists (animation, film, podcast), working alongside an artist in residence. For some, this will culminate in building portfolios for entry to College/University, and learning to curate their own exhibitions.

All young people will gain insight into creative career routes that will elevate their aspirations and optimism for their future whatever path they seek. But most importantly, young people will be able to forge supportive friendships that will last a lifetime and that will empower them to bridge the gap from dependence on statutory services to living their lives as confident adults and active agents.