Increasing numbers of children and young people in Somerset with complex mental health issues are regularly missing or being excluded from school. Some of these children may have been referred to children’s mental health services in the past. However, a high and growing demand for those services, and a lack of staff and funding means many children are slipping through the net, are missing school and their mental health issues are not being addressed.

We have trialled “HeARTspace” arts provision with two small groups of children and young people who are finding it difficult to engage with school. Supported, focused creative time in their week, removed from the pressures of the school day, recharges them and helps maintain their attendance at school. Arts projects are designed around objects and artefact, holding in mind the opportunity for children to take home and share their successes with parents / carers.