A local children's charity has been selected to take part in the Big Give Arts for Impact fundraising campaign.

SPAEDA, an arts education charity, is on a mission to engage children who often miss school due to complex mental health issues, through their HeARTspace programme.

The charity's initiative is targeted at enhancing the social and emotional wellbeing of Somerset’s young people.

SPAEDA launched a trial for their therapeutic art programme, aiming to provide a non-judgmental environment for these children to openly express themselves.

A charity spokesperson said: "It has been so successful that we are seeing phenomenal results after only 8 weeks of creative interventions".

Children are reportedly happier, more confident, and are witnessing improvements in their conduct.

To expand their much needed support, SPAEDA is fundraising as part of the Big Give Arts for Impact match-funding campaign 2024, supported by New Philanthropy for Arts & Culture.

This campaign will double all online donations up to £5000 between midday March 19 and midday March 26.

This will enable SPAEDA to potentially raise £10,000 to run additional sessions, and broaden its reach across Somerset.

Lisa Robertson, an artist educator collaborating with the charity, said: "We know that art has an incredible ability to support wellbeing,"

One child participant shared: "I feel lighter when I paint," highlighting the positive impact on their mental health.

To participate in this campaign visit BigGive.org between the specified dates and double your donation.

SPAEDA has indicated that a donation of £20 will cover the materials for one session, while £100 will sponsor four children to attend a session.

Established over two decades ago, Somerset Partnership Arts Education Agency (SPAEDA) advocates for best practice in arts education and delivers projects with the aim of placing art and creativity at the heart of children's development.

The Big Give charity, which runs such match funded campaigns, has so far raised over £280m for various causes, making a substantial difference to major global issues.

Their campaigns have been backed by famous figures such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Dame Judi Dench and Stephen Fry.