When my daughter Renee left school, the vibrant social connections she’d built began to fade. Despite staying connected online, real world friendships became harder to maintain without a shared space to meet.

I watched as isolation crept in, bringing anxiety with it. Then we discovered art therapy with Ella, and I saw a transformation - Renee’s confidence blooming again, her true self emerging through creativity.

This journey showed me a crucial gap: young adults with SEN need more than occasional meet ups. They need a community where friendships grow naturally, where creative expression provides both calm and connection.

That’s why Ella and I are launching this charity - ArtHouse Social - a warm, welcoming space where young adults (18-25) with additional needs can find their tribe through art therapy and social events.

No more sitting on the sidelines. No more isolation.

Just genuine connections and creative growth.