You can help these Hartlepool children to show their incredible artistic talents - and here's how

The 1 Hart 1 Mind 1 Future project has secured funding to run a five-week programme which will be run after school hours.

Twice-a-week sessions will encourage children with disabilities to show their skills in art and it will culminate in an exhibition at Hartlepool Art Gallery.

Tracie Bestford is the Parent Carer Link Worker for 1 Hart, 1 Mind, 1 Future and said: “Our children are so special, and we want to show our community just how talented they are.

"The reason why this exhibition is so important, not only for our families but also for the wider community, is because we are celebrating our children’s differences. We want to change the way the community see ‘disability’.”

The community funding will pay for ‘after school art sessions for SEND children and their siblings,” said Tracie.

"This programme will be on for five weeks, two sessions per week and will be delivered by a qualified art teacher. The sessions will be held at Hartlepool Art Gallery, in Christ Church,

"At the end of the programme, we are then going to display all the children’s work in a very special exhibition within the art gallery.”

Tracie added: “Like all children, a disabled child is a beautiful, important part of any family. And like any typically abled kid, a disabled child has gifts, talents and qualities that make them unique and special,

"Some of those unique qualities include our children’s disabilities and it is important to celebrate those things.”

But Tracie is hoping for help from the general public.

She explained: We still do not have a name for our art exhibition so we are asking our families to help us come up with a name…. ‘A celebration of……..?’ We would love to get some suggestions.”

1 Hart, 1 Mind, 1 Future has been active in supporting children and their families during the lockdown. Its programmes have included parent carer training sessions covering topics including anxiety and mental health in children, well being packs for parents/carers, monthly family nights on the last Thursday of each month, and a fortnightly story time session.

Anyone wanting to register with the group should email tracie.bestford@hartlepoolcarers.org.uk

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