I AM A(N):
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!
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.
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!
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.
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
Showcasing the work of our Helium participants
Check out some of the awesome films and artworks created by young people in association with our artists at our workshops!
Art Gallery
Film Gallery
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 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