Our Story
We support to thrive - not just survive!
Arts for Life Project (UK) was co-founded in 2017 by me, Beth Gevell (Artist) and Jacqui Dennaford (Psychotherapist).
Whilst walking around the Aquadrome with our dogs, we realised that instead of helping just one young person at a time, we could merge our skills to bring to life a space for young people to be creative whilst providing 'hidden' therapy.
We started with four young individuals around my kitchen table, over time, our numbers grew to 60 and we were running 3x hourly ‘Creative Crew’ sessions every evening of the week. Forge House in Northwood became our new base and an incredible studio for not only our group sessions but private spaces for our clinicians too!
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Our Studio has a "home from home" feel with art all over the walls and a fun hideaway and a space to play - somewhere our young people can be who they want to be in an environment where we all listen and understand. We also have a fantastic 'sea themed' sensory room for all to explore.
We pride ourselves on having an incredible team and a hugely supportive board of trustees.
Our Philosophy
At Arts For Life Project (UK), our philosophy is rooted in the belief that creativity is a powerful tool for healing and personal growth. We understand that young people today face a wide range of emotional and mental health challenges, including, anxiety, depression, and self-harm. Our approach is centred around compassion, empathy, and respect for each individual’s unique journey.
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We provide a safe, nurturing environment where young people can express themselves freely through art, whether it's through visual arts, music, dance, or drama. By focusing on the process of creation rather than the end result, we offer a space for self-discovery, self-empowerment, and emotional resilience. Our therapeutic methods are subtle and organic, where self-directed activities and hands-on experiences encourage personal reflection and growth.
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Our mission is to help young people feel seen, heard, and understood, particularly those who are often overlooked or feel disconnected from others. Whether it's tackling body image issues, navigating social and emotional challenges, or finding healthier ways to cope with stress, we believe in the power of art to foster positive change and to help young people regain control over their lives.
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At Arts For Life, every young person is treated with kindness, understanding, and dignity. We are committed to creating a space where they can safely explore their emotions, build their confidence, and ultimately heal through the transformative power of creativity.
