Our mission is to change lives through culture and this UK Charity Week we're proud to look back at some of the work we've done throughout this tough year, continuing to support vulnerable people using arts to improve their mental health.
In August we were so pleased to hear we'd received a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant of £99,900 for an innovative project to continue supporting young people who are finding it hard to manage their mental health. The project, ICE Heritage, will run for two years in collaboration with CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services), with the aim to address and explore important mental health issues in young people, using creative engagement with local heritage.
“We are delighted to have received this support thanks to money raised by National Lottery players and are confident the project will support young people across Hampshire to engage with heritage and creative projects.” - Cat Cooke, Community Programmes Manager at Hampshire Cultural Trust
Find out more about the project here
Throughout the year, our Creative Boxes have provided much needed positive activity for hundreds of vulnerable young people across Hampshire, with thanks to our wonderful supporters. Creative Boxes contain activities and craft materials and are designed to encourage the use of art as a positive, creative activity, providing an outlet for expression, to tackle low self-esteem, to build confidence and, ultimately, to help improve mental health, wellbeing and emotional resilience.
They are delivered directly to local young people aged 10-16 years, including young carers, those with special educational needs, those that have been fostered or who are in foster care and those who are at risk to themselves and others.
This December an extra sprinkling of Christmas cheer has been added to each box, with instructions for young people to create an origami Christmas card to gift to someone they care about.
For more about the project here and shop online at https://shop.hampshireculture.org.uk/
Early this year, Forest Arts Centre’s Parkinson’s Dance Class was selected as New Milton Mayor Cllr Keith Craze’s nominated charity project for 2021/2022. The Parkinson’s Dance Programme provides dance classes and well-being sessions for those in our community living with Parkinson’s. The programme has been subject to a long-term study evaluating the benefits of dancing for participants. It's found that, as well as a physical benefit, there is also an enhanced emotional benefit which can improve with regular dancing sessions. With thanks to the support from the Mayor, Parkinson’s Dance Programme will be able to continue supporting those living with Parkinson’s in the community.
