Two new art therapy groups have opened in south London thanks to a grant.
The groups are run by charity Studio Upstairs, and allow people with mental health issues to explore different types of art.
People in Croydon and Mitcham will be able to take part in these sessions courtest of £232,531 in funding from City Bridge Foundation.
Studio Upstairs was founded in 1988, and has run sessions in south London since 2016, while City Bridge Foundation is London’s biggest independent charity funder.
It operates five Thames crossings, including Tower Bridge, and awards more than £30million a year to charitable organisations across the capital.
The grant over the next three years is what’s made these sessions possible.
City Bridge Foundation chair Giles Shilson said: “For over 30 years, Studio Upstairs has been helping people improve their mental health through the creative power of art.
“As well as developing their artwork in the sessions, group members also get the chance to exhibit their work publicly, boosting their self-esteem and raising awareness of the value of art therapy in tackling mental health issues.”
Studio Upstairs managing director Zlatinka Hristova said: “When people come to the studio, its a safe space where they can explore their emotions and deal with the issues they’re facing in a non-verbal way.
“As well as supporting the art therapy sessions, the City Bridge Foundation grant will also fund volunteer work placements, to help develop the next generation of art therapists.”
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