From cardboard dog heads and giant paintings to fashion shows, clay creatures and colourful tote bags, summer 2026 was packed with imagination, laughter and plenty of messy creativity.
Across Ireland, children and young people came together through Helium’s summer Programme to make art, make friends and enjoy the freedom to create. This was our biggest summer programme yet, with Summer Camps for ages 8–12 taking place in 11 locations, including our very first camp in Mullingar. We also expanded our Youth Camps for ages 13–16 to five locations – the most we’ve ever offered – while our Online Art Box Delivery Programme continued to bring creativity into homes and hospitals across the country.
No two workshops looked the same. One day participants were building forts from masking tape or creating cardboard creatures, the next they were designing aprons, making birdhouses, dreaming up underwater worlds or working together on giant collaborative artworks. Every activity started with a simple idea and ended somewhere completely unexpected.
Of course, the best part of the summer wasn’t just what was made – it was the smiles, the growing confidence, the friendships and the moments of pure joy that happened along the way.
One parent told us:
“Have only positive things to say. Our son has high support needs and everything was fantastic on this workshop. The friendliness of the staff was second to none and we were made feel most welcome.”
Another family shared how our Online Art Box Delivery Programme helped their daughter continue creating while she was in hospital:
“She couldn’t join the Zoom calls, but she was able to do the art from the hospital. I can’t thank you enough for all your hard work, both online and in the hospital.”
We’re looking forward to celebrating more of the creativity, memories and friendships that happen when young people have the space to make, explore and connect.