Arts Therapy Program for Children

The Mates4Mates Arts Therapy Program for Children provides meaningful and creative group-based sessions for children and teenagers of current and ex-serving Defence Force members.

What is Arts Therapy?

Arts Therapy is a nurturing way for young people to connect in a safe and fun therapeutic setting, to increase their self-awareness and overall wellbeing through creative activities. The program may help improve communication skills and coping strategies for young people who find it difficult to talk about their feelings due to developmental, cognitive, or other barriers/conditions.

Other benefits for young people may include:

  • Increased self-awareness and overall wellbeing
  • Development of new skills
  • Increased connection to self-identity through creative arts-making processes
  • Development of social connections and opportunities for shared understanding and learning within a group context
  • Improved communication skills and coping strategies as a result of managing challenging content that may arise during the program
  • Embracing their own unique experiences while exploring what it means to be a child of service men and women in Australia

Arts Therapy is an evidence-based allied health practice which can complement other support services already being received by children.

Who is Mates4Mates?

Mates4Mates is one of Australia’s leading veteran charities, actively changing the lives of current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members and their families impacted by service.

Mates4Mates provides a way forward for those experiencing service-related physical injuries, mental health issues, and isolation. From psychological and physical rehabilitation services to wellbeing programs and social connection activities – our services are proven to make a real difference.

Arts Therapy Program details

Springfield Central State High School

The program will be held during school hours, from 11:00am – 12:00pm, every Tuesday starting 2 August – 6 September. It will be run by Papernook Arts Therapy and Wellness’ qualified practitioner, Jasmine Wright.

To participate in the program, parents or care givers must be registered with Mates4Mates. If you are not an inducted member, simply complete your Mates4Mates application online. 

If you are interested in upcoming programs, please don't hesitate to be in contact. Send your enquiry through to programs@mates4mates.org.

Submit your expression of interest

Please complete the first part of this form as the child's parent or guardian, providing your best contact details and then select "next'.

If you selected no because you are not an inducted Mates4Mates member and would like to take part, simply complete your Mates4Mates application online and our team will be in touch soon.

Please complete this second part of the form, providing the child or adolescents details wishing to attend our Arts Therapy program.