New Art Therapy Service launched at Nobles

Mon, 12 Oct 2020

A new Art Therapy Service has been launched at Noble's Hospital.

The Teapot Trust (Isle of Man) Art Therapy Service is treating children referred to them by the CAMHS Team.

Initially helping children through one-to-one art therapy sessions once a week, for up to eight sessions, CAMHS Manager, Duncan Corkhill remarked,

“CAMHS has greatly benefited from the input of an Art Therapist funded by the Teapot Trust Isle of Man. It has proven to be an accessible and successful therapy intervention with our young persons who struggle with relaying sometimes difficult thoughts and emotions. It is an integral treatment within CAMHS and a valuable resource.”

Some children need help to come to terms with the diagnosis of a chronic or long-term illness. Their ‘new normal’ may involve frequent hospital visits, blood tests, medications, isolation and restrictions on childhood activities, all of which take a heavy mental toll on youngsters and their families. 

Other children may have mental health needs associated with conditions such as, anxiety, ADHD and childhood trauma. Art Therapy can help to give these children the means to express their feelings and unlock concerns, which they may not be able to explain to their family or carers with words alone. Teapot Trust Isle of Man Art Therapist, Fern Callister explained,

“It’s great that the Isle of Man has a specialist Art Therapy Service that supports young people to express their internal worlds in a creative way. Art making is a very natural form of communication for most children, helping them to feel seen, heard and understood. I can already see the benefits.”

Fern, who has a Master’s Degree in Mental Health, Specialising in Art Therapy, will use a wide range of arts activities to work with children who need additional support. 

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