Creative arts therapy brings confidence to young people with epilepsy in Croydon
Children and young people in Croydon living with epilepsy are benefitting from new creative arts therapy sessions delivered by Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, made possible through funding from Croydon Health Charity and a £2,950 grant from Beckenham Theatre Trust.
The therapy programme, run by Creative Arts Psychotherapists from the Indigo Team based at Croydon University Hospital, was launched in early 2025 to provide vital peer and emotional support for children and young people with epilepsy and their families.
Following a successful one-off pilot in 2023, the team has since delivered two full six-week creative arts therapy programmes, each supporting both children and their parents or carers. The sessions combined drama, art and creative expression in a safe, non clinical environment where participants could explore their experiences and connect with one another.
Across both groups, 17 participants, nine children and eight parents or carers, took part, with sessions offering both joint and separate activities led by therapists. The project created opportunities for families to share their experiences, develop emotional tools for self-empowerment and improve mental wellbeing.
Building on this success, the Indigo Team has also launched a half termly support group for older teenagers with epilepsy, helping them prepare for the transition into adult services. A separate parent and carer group will also run alongside these sessions.
Malcolm Jones, Chair of Trustees at Beckenham Theatre Trust, said:
“Beckenham Theatre has been delighted to see the results of funding this work with Croydon NHS. It’s obvious to see the benefits that this creative and imaginative approach has in improving the lives of young people living with epilepsy.
The feedback from participants shows why this type of work is so important in supporting young people with this condition.”
Laura Kennedy, Head of Fundraising at Croydon Health Charity, added:
“We’re proud to support projects like this that make a real difference to the lives of young patients and their families. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners like Beckenham Theatre Trust, we’re able to fund innovative therapies that go beyond clinical care and support emotional wellbeing.”
Croydon Health Charity continues to support initiatives that enhance the wellbeing and experience of young patients at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust.
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