Local resident Nina Stafford explains the background to ArtHouse Social, a new charity dedicated to providing therapeutic art sessions for young adults with additional needs
When my daughter Renee was born in 2004 with Hirschsprung’s disease, a genetic bowel condition, our world changed forever. After developing E. coli and sepsis, she spent her first year at the Royal London Hospital.
As parents, we watched anxiously as Renee grew stronger, but at a pace different from that of her peers. The developmental gaps widened with time, and short-term memory challenges became evident as she progressed. Mainstream education proved increasingly difficult for Renee. So, at 13, we made the life-changing decision to move her to West Lea, a special needs school in Edmonton. This environment transformed our daughter and our family. She thrived, formed meaningful friendships and discovered a place where she could simply be her brilliant self, without pressure to conform.
The transition from this nurturing school environment into adulthood was devastating. Renee’s confidence crumbled as the structure and support system she relied upon disappeared. Severe anxiety overtook her, making even leaving the house an overwhelming challenge.
Today, after much perseverance, Renee works part-time at Millgrove Pre-School, a position she adores. The dedicated staff have allowed her to flourish professionally. However, socially, a significant void remains.
Throughout this journey, I’ve observed a critical gap for young adults with additional needs in our community. The lack of structured social opportunities, where individuals can build meaningful connections, is profound. Witnessing the impact on Renee has inspired me to create something new.
So, this spring, we are launching therapeutic art sessions in a small group setting – a space where 18- to 25-year-olds can create together, while forming friendships in a supportive environment. Ella Deeks is an integral part of this journey. With a degree in performing arts and music, and experience as a teacher before completing a diploma in child and adolescent psychotherapeutic counselling, Ella brings invaluable expertise to our programme. We are so excited that she will be leading our sessions. Our vision is to foster creativity alongside community building, offering participants greater independence and the confidence to engage with the wider world.
This project goes beyond creating opportunities for my daughter; it’s about building a community. When young adults find spaces where they can authentically be themselves while connecting with others, the impact ripples outward. We invite you to join us in making this dream a reality – whether through supporting our fundraisers or spreading the word. Together, we can create a space where everyone belongs.
A fundraising disco will take place at the Heathcote and Star in Leytonstone on 25 April. Visit wnstd.com/arth
