Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I contact you?
Please email us at info@untapped.org.uk
2. How can I make a donation?
Here is the donation link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=NQQYVUN9UFUH6
Art Therapy Group crowdfunder link: https://gofund.me/fd196bdb
3. How can I refer a child/young person? Individual art therapy: https://forms.office.com/e/uV7exQz93E
Art Therapy Group https://forms.office.com/r/6fnw23633p –
4. How can I become a volunteer?
Volunteering opportunities – https://volunteer.can100.org/volunteers/provider-profile/UntappedUKCIC/257173
5. How much does Art Therapy cost?
Costs vary depending on who is referring, what work is involved and how much funding we have available. Please contact us to discuss your particular situation. We are always fundraising to increase access to our services. info@untapped.org.uk
6. Who Are Untapped Art Therapy?
Untapped Art Therapy is a charity dedicated to providing Art Psychotherapy to vulnerable children and young people (CYP). Our mission is to alleviate the suffering of CYP through Art Psychotherapy (AT) and trauma therapy, specifically the Children’s Accelerated Trauma Technique (CATT). Our team consists of 5 Directors, 15 volunteers, and 3 Art Psychotherapists (1 full-time and 2 part-time).
7. What Are Your Values?
Courage:
Seeking therapy takes courage. We create a safe and supportive environment for healing and transformation.
Compassion:
We accompany you on your therapeutic journey, believing in the potential of every individual. We exist to encourage vulnerable children and young people to believe in themselves.
Creativity:
Through art-making, clients are encouraged to explore, play, and take risks, all under the guidance of a professional Art Psychotherapist.
8. What Do You Do?
We provide Art Psychotherapy both online and in-person, working with individuals and groups. Our services are available nationally online and locally in hospitals, hospices, family centres, schools, GP surgeries, and community settings in Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch. We also operate from two garden studios and have a therapy dog. In 2023, we delivered over 1,000 hours of Art Therapy, reaching over 70 young people. This year, we plan to deliver 1,500+ sessions of individual Art Therapy to 100 CYP, as well as 60 Art Therapy Groups to 464 participants.
9. What Is Art Psychotherapy?
Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves creating art under the guidance of a professional Art Psychotherapist. It’s a clinical intervention regulated by the Health Care Professions Council and is recommended by NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) for treating psychosis, depression, and trauma in children. Through art, clients explore their inner world, express feelings, develop self-awareness, and build resilience against stress. This approach provides a unique, non-verbal way to process trauma and mental health challenges.
10. Who Benefits from Your Work?
Our services are essential for families who can’t afford private therapy and face long NHS waiting times. 65% of our work is discounted or free, funded through donations and grants from sources like BCP Council, The National Lottery Community Fund, and NHS Charities Together. We specialize in supporting neurodiverse children and young people, particularly those at risk of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or those who have experienced significant trauma.
11. What Difference Does Your Work Make?
Our work aims to reduce suicide and self-harm among vulnerable CYP by improving their mental well-being, self-esteem, and engagement in education and employment. Art Therapy has proven effective in treating various mental health challenges and significantly improves life outcomes for CYP.
12. How Does Art Psychotherapy Reduce Youth Suicide?
Art Psychotherapy provides a non-verbal outlet for expression, enhances self-awareness, and fosters emotional resilience. It helps youth safely express emotions, develop coping mechanisms, and build connections, which are crucial in preventing suicide. The process also helps therapists identify early signs of distress, allowing for timely intervention.
13. How Do You Consult with Stakeholders?
We work closely with CAMHS, SENDCOs, and local youth centres and young people themselves to address gaps in mental health services. Our consultations and research highlight the critical need for accessible mental health support, particularly for neurodiverse CYP. Our services are designed to complement existing provisions and fill the gaps left by statutory bodies.
14. How Does Your Work Complement Existing Services?
Our work complements the existing mental health services in schools and by NHS Social Workers but focuses on providing psychotherapy, which is often lacking in current offerings. We have established strong community links and take referrals from GPs, social workers, schools, and youth centres.
15. Why Your Organisation?
Our Art Psychotherapists have extensive experience in CAMHS, SEND, and mental health schools, with backgrounds as teachers and youth workers. We understand the mental health crisis from multiple perspectives and are committed to using our skills to support young people in our community.
16. To What Extent Is Your Organisation Led by People with Lived Experience?
Our team and Trustees include individuals with personal experiences of trauma, bereavement, neurodiversity, suicide, and other significant challenges. This lived experience informs and strengthens our approach to supporting vulnerable CYP.
Untapped is committed to reducing youth suicide and self-harm in the Bournemouth area. We specialise in supporting children/young people who are neurodivergent and who have experienced trauma. Your donation will make a huge difference, Thank-you!