In response to the rise of anxiety in children since the Covid pandemic, Southside is providing support through a new Art and Craft Intervention Worker. She is a skilled artist who works with children aged 5- 19 who have been referred to Southside’s Family Support Service and are struggling with anxiety and other challenges including school refusal (for various reasons), personal and relationship difficulties, and experience of trauma. 

The ‘therapeutic space’ allows children the opportunity to use art to express their emotions, alongside talking with an experienced artist who will provide a non-judgemental space and a listening ear. With local mental health services struggling with high demand and increasing referrals, the Art and Craft Intervention Worker provides support to children and young people who are waiting for specialist mental health services, or children who do not yet meet their high threshold for support. 

Children struggling with anxiety can find it more comfortable to express thoughts and emotions that they find difficult to put into words. The art and crafts activities are child-led, tailored to their individual needs, and help to: 
• relieve feelings of stress and anxiety 
• reduce distress 
• improve self-esteem 
• build communication skills and resilience 

A donation of £400 would enable a child to be supported through ten art and craft intervention sessions, vital support to help them to reduce their anxiety and be able to communicate feelings. In order to support more children, we would also like the Art and Craft Intervention Worker to run activities in group sessions.