We have hosted events, welcomed new colleagues (Hello Lua and Nathan!), and put into practice many of the proposals we had for EdShift’s growth. Most importantly for me has been the establishing of The Nest, our Art Therapy service working with children aged 4-16 who have been witness to or present during domestic abuse or sexual violence. I feel so privileged to have been a part of establishing a service that I truly believe in and know the value of.

Working in domestic abuse services isn’t new to me, and much of the last 5 years of my life (while not studying!) has provided support for women who are experiencing domestic abuse. That said, this role has brought about many challenges, and I know how much growth I will experience as a practitioner, alongside the service, in the coming year.

In the first month of the role, we worked hard to establish robust referral pathways, and to think carefully about why some children might be more appropriate for Art Therapy, as opposed to the already brilliant SpotLight programme. I spent a lot of time reading through our waiting list, and thinking about how my hours could be used most effectively.

We now have an established threshold for Art Therapy referrals, focused mainly on the psychological impact of the exposure to the child. Where this impact is severely affecting their ability to attend school, keep themselves safe or form relationships, we tend to see this as a referral to Art Therapy.

Of course, who we can offer support to, how long for, and what that support looks like, is never an easy decision. One of my favourite parts of staff practice at EdShift is our weekly case management meeting. True care and consideration is put into each referral that we receive, as we weigh up any immediate risks and safety plans with ongoing needs for learning about healthy relationships and/or therapeutic support.

Beyond this, I have been so grateful to have weekly check-ins with the staff team as we discuss challenges, successes, and best practice. I work with an incredibly talented group of people, who all bring their own professional and personal experience to the job, and all feel passionately about the work we do.

My external supervisor has been invaluable, as I have been going to supervision armed with a list of queries and questions each week. How best to work with a young person struggling with separation anxiety? How to encourage non-directive work in sessions without overwhelming someone? And, of course… How do I know if I am doing enough? This question of what makes “good enough” care is one that I return to again and again in my work; as a practitioner, as an organisation, as a system. Where are we going right, and where could we do more?

We have been extraordinarily lucky to receive funding from the National Lottery Communities Fund, which will be covering the core costs associated with the Youth Base. We also receive funding for short-term contracts for staff members. This being said, we pride ourselves on providing intervention and prevention strategies, and we are, as so many services, constantly battling impossibly long waiting lists. For so many of the referrals we receive, intervention is needed at the earliest possible moment, in order to prevent further risk to the child. I know so many allied professionals will understand when I say that we need more funding, and more sustainable funding, to ensure our services are meeting the needs of young people at the right time.

But enough of the gloom! Above all, what many years of working in mental health and support services has taught me, is that alongside questioning, it is important to focus on the good that we DO achieve. While yet to complete any case work, The Nest has received overwhelmingly positive feedback so far. Children and young people have enjoyed accessing such a cosy, well equipped and creative space, and attendance at sessions has been nearly 100%. Parents have given feedback about improved communication with their children, and spoken about their improved overall wellbeing. There has also been feedback from schools that they have noticed marked changes in how children are able to engage when at school. This is what we want! Healthier, happier young people who are able to go into the world creating meaningful and caring connections with those around them. For the next year at least, that will be The Nest’s mission.

Thanks for reading, please do keep following us for updates on how EdShift is enriching the lives of  young people in Calderdale. There’s more to come!

By Georgia Griffiths The Nest Arts Therapist