HEADSTAR

Please note this programme is currently paused for new referrals.

HEADSTART

An Arts on Prescription programme for children and young people aged 8 - 17 years

What is HEADSTART?
Using art to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people who experience health challenges such as: stress, anxiety, depression or pain.

HEADSTART is an Arts on Prescription programme that offers young people access to high quality multiple arts workshops in a low stress, supportive environment. Through focused hands-on activities we provide relaxation and distraction, giving participants personal space away from day to day life. 

---

How can HEADSTART programmes help?

• Increasing confidence
  
• Learning new skills
  
• Distraction from pain and problems
  
• Spending time doing something enjoyable
  
• Making friends

---

We currently offer the following Programmes:

︎HEADSTART Art (ages 8 - 12) & (13 – 17)

This programme provides up to 12 weekly 90 minute art workshops. Workshops are small groups of up to 12 young people and led by professional artists. Activities can include drawing and painting, collage, print-making and simple sculpture.

︎ Find out more about our most recent art course here.

︎ HEADSTART Drama (ages 8 – 12) & (13 - 17)

Unfortunately we are not running any Headstart Drama courses currently.

︎🎶️ HEADSTART Music (13 - 17)

We will focus primarily on musical creativity in the form of songwriting. Attendees will be able to contribute by creating lyrics, melodies, rhythms and chord sequences.

︎ Find out more about our past music courses here.


Good to know...

All workshops are FREE of charge and all materials are provided. Sessions are friendly and welcoming, and no previous arts/music/drama experience is necessary. In the workshops we do not ask you to talk about why you are attending, but you will be asked to complete an online mood quiz aimed at measuring the health benefits of participating.

How can a young person take part?*

* Please note referrals for this programme are currently paused.

All HEADSTART programmes are on a referral basis for young people who experience depression, stress, anxiety and/or pain. You can ask your GP, a support worker or health care provider if they think it would benefit you.

Parents/Guardians can also refer a young person directly. Please get in touch if you would like to be contacted via email when referrals resume. In the meantime you may be interested in joining one of our Art Clubs.

For a referral form please download the form below:
Referral Form Word.doc

or contact us on:

︎  referrals@artsforhealthmk.org.uk.

︎ 01908 996124


What happens?

When we receive your referral we will contact you and invite you to attend a HEADSTART Art programme.

---

---

︎Looking for Activities to try at home whilst we process your referral?
Have you tried our online activities yet? There is plenty to explore from home including photography ideas, painting tips and music to listen to. Explore here

---

Headstart is funded by Big Lottery Community Fund