HEADSTAR

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. 

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How can HEADSTART programmes help?

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

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We currently offer the following Programmes:

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

This programme provides up to 12 weekly 1.5 hour art workshops. Workshops are small groups of up to 10 young people and led by professional artists. Activities can include drawing and painting, print-making and simple sculpture.

Headstart Art
(12 weeks)

Starting Tuesday 10th September
(ages 13 - 17)
5pm - 6.30pm
FREE OF CHARGE

Course dates:
10, 17, 24 September
1, 8, 15, 22 October
29 October (Half Term break)
5, 12, 19, 26 November
3 December

Location: The Mead Centre, 75 High Street, Newport Pagnell, Mlton Keynes MK16 8AB.

The 12 spaces available have now all been booked. 
To go on the wait list contact: naomi@artsforhealthmk.org.uk

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

During our 12 week course young people will learn and explore drama skills that will encourage independent creativity, building confidence and self esteem. The aim of this programme is to support the group to create a piece of drama; the form, style and subject matter of the piece will be inspired by the young people themselves. Participants will be encouraged to take creative lead on the project, making it relevant and relatable to the young people and their current experiences and opinions.

Headstart Drama
(7 weeks)

Starting Tuesday 10th September
(ages 13 - 17)
5pm - 6.30pm
FREE OF CHARGE

Course dates:
10, 17, 24 September
1, 8, 15, 22 October

Location: The Old Bath House, 205 Stratford Rd, Wolverton, Milton Keynes MK12 5RL.

There are still spaces available on this course.
If interested please contact: referrals@artsforhealthmk.org.uk

Headstart Half Term Drama is an opportunity for 8 - 12 year olds to learn new drama skills in an open and unpressured environment. Over this four day course the young people will be able to create their own scenes and sketches, come up with creative ideas and build confidence to work together. A perfect way to connect with other young people who may be feeling the same, anxious or nervous. They will be working with a professional theatre director to release their performance potential. No previous experience required, designed to support young people with mental health challenges.

Headstart Half Term Drama
(4 days)
FREE OF CHARGE
Ages 8 - 12 years

Starting Monday 28th October
Finishing Thursday 31st October
10am - 2pm

Location: Wolverton Workingmen’s Social Club,
49-50 Stratford Road, Milton Keynes MK12 5LS

There are 20 spaces available.
To book please contact: naomi@artsforhealthmk.org.uk

︎🎶️ HEADSTART Music (ages 8 – 12) & (13 - 17)

During this 12 week course we will focus primarily on musical creativity in the form of songwriting. Participants will be able to contribute by creating lyrics, melodies, rhythms and chord sequences. There will be opportunities for participants to share original ideas that could be brought to life in the group setting.

The aim is to collaborate then create and record a track everyone can take home as an MP3. We will have a small studio set up where we can record and edit sounds. We will use drums as an initial point for group improvisation and performance; then we will give structure to our performances for a potential showcase at the end of the course. We will listen to familiar songs and play along with them.
 

Headstart Music (11 weeks)
(8 -12 years old)

Starting 1st October 2024
6pm - 7.30pm
FREE OF CHARGE

Course dates:
1, 8 , 15 , 22 October
29 October - Half Term break
5, 12, 19, 26 November
3, 10 & 17 December

Location: Brooklands Pavilion,
Countess Way, Broughton, Milton Keynes, MK10 7HN

There are 2 spaces remaining on a first come, first served basis.
If interested please contact: naomi@artsforhealthmk.org.uk

︎ Find out more about our most recent 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 quizaimed at measuring the health benefits of participating.

How can a young person take part?
All HEADSTART programmes are available 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. 

You can also refer your young person directly if you wish. Simply complete the form and return to us.

Referral Forms:
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 one of our HEADSTART programmes.

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︎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

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Headstart is funded by Big Lottery Community Fund