Art & Soul are pleased to announce a new partnership with the South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust Adolescent Outreach Team.

This small, multidisciplinary team helps young people with acute mental health needs avoid entering inpatient mental health care by providing intensive community-based care during periods of mental health crisis.

Thanks to funding from the Baring Foundation, Art & Soul has been able to work closely with this specialist team to plan a course of five therapeutic arts sessions for young people using this service, beginning April 2021.

This partnership is part of a new Junior Art & Soul programme, which aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in South West London through three partnerships with the AOT, Priory and Emotional Health Service.

Ursula Kelly, Art & Soul's lead art therapist: "The aim of these sessions is to provide a space for young people to express themselves creatively, in a shared environment. The art activities will be challenging both conceptually and practically, intended to enhance problem solving, communication and relationships. How each young person responds to the various activities and what they create is their choice. There is no right or wrong, no expectation but a celebration of each individual's presence."

Rachel Tranter, Art & Soul Trustee: "By working directly with CAMHS services, Art & Soul is able to reach those who need it most within our community. Children and young people have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Art & Soul has a strong track record of improving mental health outcomes and we are pleased that Art & Soul has been able to form these new partnerships."

For more information about Art & Soul activities please visit www.artandsoul.org.uk

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