Project Spotlight: Art Of Her

At Women's Health Matters, we know that healing isn't always about words. For many young women, especially those living with trauma or mental health challenges, finding the right words to express themselves can be difficult. Creative approaches can offer a different way forward, providing a safe space to explore emotions, build confidence, and discover new ways to cope. Art of Her is one such programme, a creative and therapeutic journey that helps young women connect with themselves and others through the power of art.

What is Art of Her?

Art of Her is an 8-week art therapy programme for young women aged 16-25. It's not an art class, and women do not need artistic experience to join. It's not about producing masterpieces, but about using art as a tool to explore feelings, release stress, and gain a deeper understanding of oneself in a safe and supportive environment.

Each week, participants come together for two hours in a group setting led by a trained art therapist. During this time, they have the opportunity to explore different creative activities designed to help express feelings and reflect on experiences. Sessions might include using colour to represent emotions, exploring personal identity through collage, or creating artwork that symbolises resilience and strength. Participation is flexible, allowing each woman to engage in a way that feels right for her—whether sharing with the group or creating quietly on her own. The focus is always on the process of making art, not the final product.

As our Art Therapist and Project Lead explains, this focus on choice and process creates a space where young women can safely explore their feelings and build confidence.

"Art of Her offers a non-judgmental space where women can explore what feels right for them. The art therapist guides them with different materials and activities, but everyone works at their own pace. It’s a space for building strength, finding your voice, and discovering new ways of coping."

A Space for Growth

Each Art of Her session is carefully designed to nurture well-being while encouraging creative expression. The programme begins by building trust and exploring different art materials, giving participants a safe space to experiment and express themselves. As the weeks progress, sessions explore themes such as identity, resilience, and self-compassion, helping women reflect on their experiences and personal growth.

The programme concludes with a final reflection, where each participant creates a piece that represents her journey and looks towards the future. By the end of the 8 weeks, many women leave with a stronger sense of who they are, practical coping tools to use in daily life and a renewed belief in their own resilience and creative potential.

Why Art Therapy Matters

Art therapy provides a unique pathway to healing, especially for young women navigating trauma, anxiety, or depression. Sometimes words aren't enough, or feel too difficult to find. By using paint, clay, colour, or collage, emotions can take shape in new ways, providing a safe space to process feelings and explore personal experiences. Research shows that engaging in creative activities can reduce stress and anxiety, boost self-esteem, and help individuals understand and regulate their emotions. At the same time, the act of creating encourages mindfulness, allowing participants to focus on the moment and find calm amidst life's pressures. In the supportive and non-judgmental environment created by Art of Her, young women can discover new coping tools, build resilience, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves.

The benefits of Art of Her go far beyond the canvas. Participants have shared that the programme has helped them feel:

• More confident in themselves and their abilities, discovering strengths they hadn't recognised before.

  
  

• Better able to cope with anxiety, stress, or low mood, using creative expression as a practical tool in everyday life.

  
  

• More connected to others, feeling understood and supported by women who share similar experiences.

  
  

• Kinder towards themselves, learning self-compassion through the process of creating and reflecting.

The Difference It Can Make

By the end of the programme, many participants describe a noticeable shift in how they understand and express their emotions. What begins as a space for experimentation and reflection often grows into a place of confidence and resilience. Women report feeling calmer and more able to manage anxiety, stress, and low mood, and many find that the creative tools they've explored during the sessions become practical ways to cope in daily life.

Along with these positive shifts, participants often notice a deeper sense of self-awareness and self-acceptance, leaving the programme with a stronger sense of who they are. For many, Art of Her is more than a weekly activity; it's a space that nurtures personal growth, encourages self-care, and empowers them to continue expressing themselves creatively long after the 8 weeks are over.

Who is Art of Her For?

Art of Her welcomes any young woman aged 16-25 who wants to explore her mental health in a creative and supportive space. Participants may be living with trauma, anxiety, or depression, coping with addiction, or simply seeking a safe environment to get to know themselves better.

No artistic experience is needed, and all the materials are provided. The only requirement is a willingness to take part in a way that feels comfortable, whether that's sharing with the group, creating quietly on your own, or simply reflecting on the process. Every participant is supported to engage at her own pace, in a space that is safe, non-judgmental, and encouraging.

Looking Ahead

Art of Her is more than an art therapy group; it's a place where young women can feel safe, seen, and supported. It's about building community, nurturing confidence, and giving voice to emotions that are sometimes difficult to express. For many participants, the skills, insights, and creative tools they gain continue to support their wellbeing long after the programme ends.

The next cohort of Art of Her begins in September. If you or someone you know would like to take part, please complete a referral using the link below.

Refer Now