NOPA is an innovative community led organisation that has evolved in response to community needs. Therapeutic principles are embedded into all services making good mental health accessible to the most vulnerable in the community. NOPA provides quality Performing Arts programmes & NOPA-C provides creative therapies within schools to children & young people & additional support to their parents. The aim is to improve emotional literacy, coping strategies & self esteem. By addressing the underlying issues that are causing the young person to be labelled as disruptive or badly behaved in class, bully in the playground or victim of bullying, NOPA supports the child to understand how to express themselves & manage their emotions effectively. Families are supported through additional services that may be affecting wellbeing & the child is able to thrive and succeed through positive reinforcement and goal-setting. Through all of our activities we aim to enable the journey to inner strength.

Mentally healthy people create better communities that are able to support and nurture one another. NOPA supports parents to become more confident about their parenting skills and addresses the issues that are limiting their families ability to thrive. We have seen how this leads to these families becoming more active in the community. Children are able to develop a sense of identity and feel a sense of belonging which will enable sustainable improvements in personal and community development.

NOPA have worked with hundreds of families with significant results - such as prevention of exclusions, reduction of bullying. 89% of all children that have undertaken the programme have improved behaviour in the classroom, 78% have improved academic achievements. Schools have reported improved engagement with parents. We have been able to prevent evictions, supported parents into training and volunteering. 92% children have reported improved confidence and feeling happier in themselves.