Creative Wellbeing Programme for Children with Experience of Domestic Abuse

Croydon Council’s Creative Health team is hosting a new after-school programme to support Croydon children aged 5-10 who have experienced domestic abuse.

Taking place each term, this 10-week programme offers weekly sessions using age appropriate creative music, drama and visual art activities to improve participants’ wellbeing, confidence, emotional literacy and understanding of healthy relationships. The programme also aims to develop supportive peer groups for children and non-abusive parents.

Who is it for?

This is a recovery programme for children who are no longer experiencing abuse. To take part, children must fall into one of the following two categories:

• If no longer residing with the alleged perpetrator, no abuse may have been experienced since the change in living circumstances, and at least for one month.
• If currently residing with the alleged perpetrator, the family must have engaged with statutory services (social care and/or social worker) to address abusive behaviour AND no abuse may have occurred in the previous six months.

How does it work?

During the term, children participate in weekly creative workshops with others their age:

• 5-7 year olds (4-5.15pm)
• 8-10 year olds (5.30-6.45pm)

Creative sessions are led by specially trained artist practitioners and creative arts therapists, and use creative activities to explore topics such as friendship, emotions, regulation and conflict resolution in fun, no-pressure ways.

Parent/carers are invited to stay for an informal session in the next room to meet other parents/carers, hear about what the children are up to, and receive information and signposting to available support. While siblings outside the programme’s age range are unable to join the main workshops, they are welcome to take part in creative activities in a nearby space.

Travel support, refreshments (during sessions) and dinner (eaten with others onsite or taken home if preferred) are provided.

Next Cohort

Referrals are now open for our next cohort, running January to March 2026! The programme will take place:

• after school on Tuesdays during term time, 13 January-24 March
• in South Norwood; venue shared after registration

See below to register or refer a family before the end of January 2026.

Referral/Registration Documents

Registration and confirmation of place are required to take part. Schools or other professionals can refer children they think would benefit from the programme using the information provided below. Parents are welcome to register directly by contacting CreativeHealth@croydon.gov.uk and speaking to a member of the team.

• Recruitment Flyer – Spring 2026
• Information Flyer – General
• Referral Criteria & Procedures
• Referral Form – Professionals NB: If you are a parent who wishes to register your child without a professional referral, please do not complete this form, and instead use the contact details below to speak to the team about your child taking part.

Please contact CreativeHealth@Croydon.gov.uk for further information.