FINALIST 2023
Change a child's future today
About the Charity
ATFC was born out of a simple idea, to work in partnership with schools and parents to provide much needed therapy service to children in our community. We work with children during the school day as school is typically a safe space for them, and therapy forms part of their weekly routine. That concept turned into a pilot scheme in Europe’s largest Jewish primary school in 2013, and since launching the charity in 2016 we have seen how powerful art therapy is, as it enables children to express difficult and complex feelings, that they cannot express with words alone.
Since 2016 ATFC has been the only front-line provider of therapy to hundreds of young children across our community who have been in desperate need of emotional support. We are the only organisation who focuses primarily on children’s mental health in the community. Arts Therapies for Children was set up to support the children of our community facing some unimaginably difficult situations. We support children suffering from a huge range of challenges, including domestic and/or sexual abuse, emotional or behavioural difficulties or adverse mental health.
Arts Therapies for Children, a registered charity since 2016, is committed to enhancing the well-being and fostering good health among children aged 5-11 through the power of arts therapies. Specifically designed for children facing learning, behavioural, and emotional challenges, our organisation provides specialised therapies within a supportive environment that complements their daily school experience.
Our unique approach integrates therapies seamlessly into the school setting, allowing our dedicated therapists to closely observe and understand how children interact with others in their natural environment. This invaluable insight enables collaborative efforts with teachers, SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Coordinators), and parents to deliver comprehensive support tailored to each child's needs.
Our central focus is on empowering children to realise their full potential, safeguarding their mental well-being and overall health. Presently, Arts Therapies for Children reaches over 180 children weekly, collaborating with 35 Primary schools across London and Manchester to make a positive impact in their lives.
We recognise the urgent emotional challenges faced by many of these children, ranging from family break-ups to social exclusion and academic struggles. While we cannot erase these problems, we believe that with the right therapy, children can better cope with the issues they encounter daily.
Understanding that there is no "magic wand" or "one size fits all" solution, we work closely with families and school SENCOs to ensure each child receives the appropriate therapy tailored to their unique needs. Over the years, we have expanded our range of therapies and plan to introduce additional therapeutic modalities, including music and play therapy.
Driven by our passion for the profound impact of art therapy on the emotional well-being of hundreds of children, we are committed to expanding our successful model. As we enter the next phase of our expansion, we aim to broaden our therapeutic offerings, reinforcing our commitment to providing appropriate emotional support to every child when they need it most.
We align with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
