Responding to an escalating crisis in children and young people’s mental health, The Pixel Fund is helping at AT The Bus deliver small group art as therapy sessions to students aged 11 - 16 attending Greyfriars School, Cowley in Oxford.
Children and young people attend weekly sessions for a minimum of a term. Each session involves talking, sharing books, eating together and individual and group art-making. The focus is on transforming everyday objects, such as old records, coat stands or stools, into new works of art, helping pupils understand their ability to shape the world around them.
“When I first started my clock, I couldn’t get it to look like I wanted, and I got angry and didn’t want to do it anymore. What started off as a disaster is now a masterpiece…. Who would believe that kids like us could make such fantastic art?" - Student.
Facilitators provide a consistent, safe and nurturing therapeutic space, where every individual’s contribution is valued equally. As students learn to manage their challenges in the studio, they can apply skills to situations in class, in school, and other settings in the future. We aim to equip them with the tools to care for themselves as they navigate their way into adulthood.
We see children who are struggling socially go on to thrive with new-found confidence as they experience success through creativity, learn to express their emotions and make new friends. “Coming here helps me forget all about my school worries and family worries. I can switch off and focus on my project” - Student.
Teachers tell us the work has a positive impact on each individual’s wellbeing, an on their ability to engage in learning. This creates a sense of pride and belonging which extends across the school community. “AT The Bus is at the centre of our school and its impact ripples through the school community. It is about more than making art, it is about care, attention and detail, providing children with the feeling that they are creating something meaningful and to be proud of.” - Headteacher Lyndsey Caldwell, Greyfriars School.
Support from The Pixel Fund means we can provide a term of art as therapy to 21 attending Greyfriars School, helping them to build confidence, resilience and to re-engage in learning.