![]() |
We're excited to announce an opportunity for artists working in
creative health or in community contexts to reflect on their practice with Dr
Esther Aslan
Supportive Conversations provides a space for participatory
artists to come together to explore their practice with the support and
guidance of qualified educational and child psychologist, Dr Esther Aslan.
If you work with adults or children experiencing mental health
challenges, either in creative health or community settings, and would like
time to reflect and to be supported in your work, then this opportunity is for
you.
What to expect:
- Peer support
- Time to
reflect on your work and share best practice
- Opportunity to
support your own wellbeing and build resilience
Previous Feedback:
“I really love how Esther is able to open up the
group, and let people talk. She is an amazing speaker with great skills,
and even just from that there is a lot to learn, and this on the top of all the
information we address at these sessions. My specific goal is to focus more on
the human connection, by offering a non-judgemental environment and letting
people on my courses freely express themself. Each and every person carries
their story with themself, and wants to be understood and heard in some way. I
think this is also what we talked about at the first session. To connect with
people is not easy but I believe it is a skill that can be developed.”
"The conversation feels natural and comfortable, Esther
makes a lot of effort to put participants at ease "
“Since the talk I have made an effort to put people at the centre of all the
engagement work I do, instead of projecting a set of things I would like people
to achieve during our time together. The most important work artists do, I
believe, is to make space for people to discover and explore.
Keeping this at the forefront of my work has been an invaluable tool as I move
further into my career as an artist and facilitator.”
“Having space to learn from other professionals and share
experience and practice was invaluable and highly motivating. The settings
artists work in when engaging can vary greatly, and sometimes it is difficult
to know what approach is best. Having a simple baseline of what I hope people
leave with, and keeping that present during engagement, has been a powerful way
to steer the work.”
“It helps me to step back and consider my approach, hearing
other opinions is also helpful"
“It was good to have an opportunity to come together with other artists
to share our knowledge and experience. It was surprising how few
artists are actually qualified in care work. Most seemed to have picked up
experience along the way. There is clearly a big demand for working
therapeutically within the Arts which has obvious massive health benefits. I’m
not sure that I picked up any new skills in particular but it did confirm that
I seem to be doing the right thing with my sessions and sharing within
the group definitely felt very supportive. It was also useful to have a
list of relevant organisations to be in contact with if necessary. Thank you
for the opportunity to be part of these conversations.”
When & where?
In 2025-26, there will be four Supportive Conversations, which
will take place from 10-11.30am on:
Tuesday 13 May 2025
Tuesday 8 July 2025
Tuesday 7 October 2025
& Tuesday 13 January 2026
Location: Marsh Drive Sports
Ground, Marsh Drive, Great Linford, MK14 5HH.
Free parking is available.
We are now accepting applications for our 2025-26 cohort.
The sessions are free but, when applying, we do ask you to commit
to attending all four conversations.
︎
To apply click here to visit the Milton Keynes Arts Centre website
The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday
18 April 2025
Who?
Dr Esther Aslan is a chartered Educational and Child Psychologist
providing psycho-educational assessments, low-level mental health support, and
consultation services for families and schools, catering to children and young
people between the ages of 0 to 25. Her services address a broad spectrum of
developmental, learning, attention, behavioural, and social-emotional needs.
Supportive Conversations are organised by Milton
Keynes Arts Centre and Arts for Health Milton Keynes.
| |
