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I AM A(N):

A woman drawing onto a picture on display in the window

I am WORKING WITH CHILDREN

Are you working with children and young people as a health or social care professional e.g. GP, nurse, play specialist, psychiatrist, teacher etc.?  Then, you may know of some children, young people or families that might benefit from taking part in a Helium Arts workshop.

Helium Arts is an award-winning Irish charity that provides FREE creative arts workshops and camps to children and young people aged 6-18 years, living with a lifelong physical health condition.

By referring a child, young person or family to the Helium Arts programme you can extend their care into the community.  Our workshops are designed with the child / young person in mind to support them to:

  • Feel happier and healthier
  • Grow in confidence and self-esteem
  • Make new friends and feel less alone
  • Better cope with their condition
  • Learn new skills and get creative!

 

  • Image of a table in a Helium Arts workshop covered in colorful pictures, coloured sellotape and sticks with the hands of two children in the background working on it

    Who?

    A lifelong physical health condition is one which can be treated and managed but usually not cured. Examples include diabetes, epilepsy, cystic fibrosis, allergies, heart conditions, chronic asthma, spina bifida, juvenile arthritis, rare or complex conditions and many more.

  • An image of prints in pink and blue hanging from a clothes line by a peg. Created as part of the Helium Arts Autumn Camps in Tipperary

    Why?

    Living with a lifelong physical health condition is hard. Children can face loneliness, stress, anxiety, and feel defined by their condition. They experience: stigma associated with their condition, social isolation, loneliness and fewer quality friendships.

    Our workshops are a fantastic opportunity for children and young people to explore their creativity and make new friends, learn new life skills, grow in confidence and self-esteem, and have fun!

  • Image of large 3D versions of children's colourful artworks hanging on a black background

    Where?

    We currently have workshops running in 8 different locations around Ireland (including CASTLEBAR, CORK, ENNIS, GALWAY, LIMERICK, MALLOW, NENAGH, ROSCOMMON) They are run in six weekly blocks, as two or three-day camps or one day teen meetups.
    If your area is not listed here don’t worry as we are adding new venues all the time and hope to be in a location near you soon!

    We also work in the OutPatients Department so children and young people can ‘create while you wait’ in Cork University Hospital, University Hospital Galway and University Hospital Limerick.

  • Image of a child's hands covered in red paint making a collage of colourful materials and gluing on beads

    What?

    All our workshops are…

    Free of charge
    Delivered by professional artists
    Accessible
    Overseen by paramedics
    Supported by volunteers

Refer a Child / Young Person

If you know of any children, young people or families that may benefit from attending our workshops please click here and fill in a referral form here.  Our Family Liaison Officer will review the form to see what kind of workshop might be best suited to the child’s or young person’s needs and we will get back in touch with you.

Alternatively you can email hello@helium.ie for any further queries

Refer a Child / Young Person

Get Involved

There are so many ways to give – from advice, to donations, to corporate support, to fundraising or volunteering.  Contact us on info@helium.ie or simply click on the link for further information.

Get Involved Now!

Get Inspired!

Helium Arts is committed to supporting an evidence base for arts interventions with children in healthcare settings.

This Learning Bank will be updated regularly with resources, papers, podcasts, videos and interviews featuring healthcare professionals and academics exploring arts and health practice and related fields.

Learning Bank Resources for Health and Social Care Professionals