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Let Them Make Art: The Helium Creative Health Youth Forum
Do you want the opportunity to have your voice heard and meet other like-minded young people? Join us for a day of creativity, idea-making and fun!
The Helix, DCU, Dublin, D09 FW22
Ages: 13-16, 16+
Workshop Dates: 26 September 2026
Workshop Times: 10:00 - 16:00
Connect. Create. Make your mark.
Hear from keynote speaker Joanne O’Riordan, paint with award-winning artist Helen Steele, get involved in hands-on creative workshops and meet other young people from across the island of Ireland at Let Them Make Art – the first all-island Creative Health Youth Forum for young people living with long-term physical health conditions.
Taking place on 26 September 2026, this free, fully accessible event is for young people aged 13–24 living with a long-term physical health condition, as well as siblings, young carers, close friends and family members. You don’t need to have taken part in a Helium programme before – everyone is welcome.
Meet our keynote speaker: Joanne O’Riordan
Joanne O’Riordan is an internationally recognised disability activist, columnist and motivational speaker. Born with the rare condition Tetra-amelia syndrome, Joanne has become one of Ireland’s leading voices for disability rights, challenging world leaders and speaking at the United Nations about creating a more accessible future. Her powerful story of resilience, determination and independence has inspired audiences across Ireland and beyond.
Creative workshop with Helen Steele
Award-winning Irish artist and designer Helen Steele is celebrated for her bold use of colour, expressive style and signature wearable art. During the forum, Helen will lead an exclusive painting workshop, giving participants the chance to explore their creativity alongside one of Ireland’s most exciting contemporary artists.
What’s happening on the day?
This year’s theme is Access to the Arts.
Together, participants will explore what helps or creates barriers, and what could make the arts more accessible and inclusive.
The ideas, artwork and conversations from the day will be shared with decision-makers to help shape future thinking around accessibility in the arts.
Throughout the day you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Hear Joanne O’Riordan’s inspiring keynote address.
- Take part in an exclusive painting workshop with Helen Steele.
- Enjoy creative workshops including zine-making and junk print-making.
- Meet and connect with other young people from across Ireland.
- Share your experiences and ideas through creative activities and facilitated discussions.
- Help shape conversations about improving access and inclusion in the arts.
How To Book?
For participants under 18
A parent or guardian must complete the booking form on behalf of the participant.
A limited number of travel and accommodation bursaries are available for those who need support to attend.
The event is designed to be fully accessible, and registered participants will receive an information pack in advance, including a visual story, timetable and venue information to help them prepare.
Free to attend. Advance booking is essential as places are limited.
Bringing a group?
Schools, youth groups, hospitals, charities and organisations supporting young people living with long-term physical health conditions are warmly welcome. To find out more about group bookings, please contact Trudie Gorman, Helium’s Youth Participation and Engagement Coordinator, at trudiegorman@helium.ie.
Helium’s National Creative Health Programme is supported by Rethink Ireland, Community Foundation Ireland, the Arts Council, the Lakeside Fund and the Sunflower Charitable Foundation. The Programme is also funded by the Communities Integration Fund.
The Youth Forum is supported by the Government of Ireland through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Shared Island Civic Society Fund. Co-Funded by the European Union.
