Colourbox

Youth Art Connect is a trailblazing initiative aimed at promoting positive mental health amongst young people and adults.

In the wake of the unprecedented mental health crisis triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic, Youth Art Connect emerged as a beacon of hope and support for the youth in Cornwall. Established post-lockdown, this visionary initiative was founded with a singular goal: to equip young minds with positive avenues for managing mental health struggles through the power of art.

What began as a single pop-up art session swiftly evolved into a widespread movement, spanning across the county. Youth Art Connect now stands as a vital resource, providing regular sessions, pop-ups, and targeted youth programmes as well as 1:1 art counselling aimed at fostering mental health resilience among both young individuals and adults.

Within a mere two years, the organisation has rapidly expanded its footprint, offering weekly and monthly groups across key regions including Newquay, Truro, St Austell, and Penryn. Not content with this achievement, Youth Art Connect is gearing up to extend its mental health art groups into both the northern and southern territories of Cornwall in the coming year, addressing the pressing need for accessible mental health support.

This exceptional initiative collaborates extensively with various esteemed organisations such as Pride, Transparent Presence, Cornwall Accessible Activities, YPC, Action for Children, and Barnardos, among others. The influx of referrals from critical services like CAMHS, social care, and educational settings underscores the critical role and escalating demand for their unique services.

Beyond being just an art group, Youth Art Connect comprises dedicated professionals including trained counsellors , former CAMHS experts, and NHS mental health professionals united by a shared passion to effect positive change in people's lives. Their tireless efforts and commitment, volunteered tirelessly, underscore their unwavering dedication to delivering tailored services to diverse communities.

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Colourbox emerges as a joint venture between Youth Art Connect CIC, The Autistic Community of Cornwall CIC, and Transparent Presence CIC, addressing mental health challenges faced by LGBTQIA+, Autistic, and Disabled communities.

The vision for Colourbox transcends conventional support systems. It aspires to become a haven offering an array of services where collaborative efforts intersect, delivering courses and groups accessible seven days a week. This space promises inclusivity, providing crucial support for the hundreds who are excluded from statutory support due to NHS funding cuts.

This initiative envisions a warm, inviting environment, serving as a sanctuary for a diverse range of interventions, from personalized art counseling to small group sessions, catering to disabled children struggling within educational settings.

Support Needed to Propel Change

Youth Art Connect urgently seeks support to secure the rental costs for a shared office and artistic workspace in Newquay, requiring £30,000 to advance their mission. Your contribution will help amplify their impact, enabling them to extend a helping hand to even more individuals in dire need of mental health support and provide a variety of other aligned services in a one stop shop..

Together, let's fortify this movement, empowering young minds and marginalised communities to thrive despite life's challenges.

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