A project to provide therapeutic art and outreach sessions that will boost the emotional well-being of children in Jersey is being supported by GR8.
REACH@Centrepoint uses art sessions to nurture resilience and creative expression to aid children with emotional, behavioural or additional needs.
Initially targeted at children currently supported by the charity, the project will be available to schools and nurseries across the island, offering inclusive, accessible and impactful early intervention.
Jane Moy, Chief Executive Officer of Centrepoint, said: “There is increasing demand for mental health and emotional well-being support in early years and primary-aged children and teachers, and early-years professionals are seeking external expertise for children that need alternative approaches to engagement. We have also found that since the pandemic, the need for inclusive, trauma-informed and creative support strategies is growing across the island.
“By providing this service, children can do something enjoyable and achievable, without the pressure of being in a school classroom. It will build their self esteem, self-awareness and social skills, enabling them to thrive. We are delighted that GR8 has seen the value of this project and are supporting our plans.”
GR8 is funding an outdoor classroom which will provide a calming and sensory setting at Centrepoint for the sessions to take place.
Diane Sumnall (pictured), GR8’s Jersey and Guernsey Operations Director, added: “When we saw the benefit this will have on the wider community, we were delighted to support the project.
“With our links to the construction industry, it’s natural that we would assist in enabling the Centrepoint to include a separate, modular building that’s ideal for their needs. Cost of living pressures are making it difficult for charities to source funding for their projects, so we are very pleased that our support will enable Centrepoint to build the outdoor classroom they need.”
