Creative Wellbeing Programme for neurodivergent, anxious, burned out young people who are struggling to go to school or are EOTAS
We know that school environments can be stressful for many young people, whether it’s the physical size, busy environment, uncomfortable uniforms, rigid structures, difficulties navigating social interactions or other reasons. Croydon Council is working in partnership with A Collective to offer a creative wellbeing programme to support young people ages 10-15 who are finding it difficult to attend, experiencing burnout due to neurodivergence (no diagnosis needed) or are EOTAS.
Offering weekly no-pressure creative spaces, the programme will support young people to develop self-esteem, confidence and friendships, with an ultimate aim of improving wellbeing and access to wider support systems.
General Information
This programme is designed for young people in Years 6 to 10 who have very low / no attendance and are disengaged from school. Aimed at neurodivergent, anxious and/or burned-out young people who could benefit from a neuro-affirming space outside the school setting.
Led by a team of neurodivergent artists, arts educators and creative facilitators, we’re experienced in creating quiet, low-pressure spaces where young people can slowly start to re-engage. There are no expectations: come, hangout – no need to speak, or join in, or finish things – it’s simply somewhere to chill and discover things you enjoy, with adults and peers like yourself.
We aim to support young people to develop self-esteem, confidence and friendships, and understand more about themselves. With parent/carer consent, we can share reasons for non-attendance with schools and educational psychologists so that this can be fed into support plans and strategies.
Sessions take place from 1-3pm on Tuesdays at the Story Sanctuary (formerly Sanderstead Library), and are free to attend for Croydon residents.
The programme is for young people who are:
o on roll in mainstream education
o EOTAS (educated other than at school)
o home educated young people, recently deregistered due to school-related distress
The programme is not suited to young people:
o with intellectual disability
o who need 1-to-1 support
o who struggle to manage emotional outbursts that affect others
Schedule: Tuesdays 1pm-3pm
- 28th April – Welcome drop-in (no pre-registration required)
- 5th, 12th, 19th May – Getting to know you sessions (a range of fun, sensory friendly activities. New attendees are welcome to drop in)
- 26th May – Half term, no session
- 2nd June – 7th July – Weekly create/play sessions (a broad selection of materials, projects, games and activities, all optional and chosen by young people according to their interests)
Find Out More
If you would like to arrange a 1:2:1 Zoom or WhatsApp to get a virtual tour of the space, just let us know – young people do not need to speak and can keep their cameras off.
For more information or to express an interest/register, please contact jill@acollective.org.uk.
If you are a school or professional and would like more information or to refer a young person, please download and share the Information Pack with the family. If they would like to be contacted, please complete the referral form and share with jill@acollective.org.uk who can reach out to the family.
Please note, a school/professional referral is not required to take part.
Feedback
As a pilot project, we are keen to hear from families and professionals to understand how the programme can best fit your needs. If you would like to give feedback about how we could change or improve the project to better suit your young person – this could include the day of the week, time, length, location, ages, content, delivery style (e.g., online), registration pathways or any other ideas – or to enquire about hosting an in-school project at your school or MAT, please get in touch on CreativeHealth@croydon.gov.uk.