Photo: Marc O'Sullivan
I AM A(N):
Helium Arts is a children’s charity committed to improving the wellbeing of children and young people living with lifelong physical health conditions. Through our free creative workshops offered in communities, hospitals, and online, we provide safe spaces where children navigating health conditions can come together, forge friendships, have fun, and discover new skills.
Beyond lifelong health conditions. We use creativity to build community, spark friendships, unlock skills and new interests that can help children to overcome adversity.
We believe that creativity empowers children to feel confident, worthwhile, and respected and this helps them to become more prepared and capable in daily life.
Supported conditions include diabetes, epilepsy, cystic fibrosis, allergies, heart conditions, asthma, spina bifida, juvenile arthritis, rare or complex conditions and many more.
All workshops are supported by professional artists, volunteers and on-site medical care.
States Parties shall respect and promote the right of the child to participate fully in cultural and artistic life and shall encourage the provision of appropriate and equal opportunities for cultural, artistic, recreational and leisure activity.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989)
To actually see the teenagers' work gives you a real insight into people who may not show that side of themselves to you to maintain the control that they have, but they’ll show it to the artist. It’s really touching and a really important part of the overall care in hospital.
Dr. Aoibhinn Walsh, Paediatric SpR, on Helium's artist in residence programme for teenagers in hospital
Get inspired!
Check out our creative and learning resources and find out about the many ways creativity enhances the healthcare experience for children...
