Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that works with images, creativity and words, and is particularly useful for people who find it hard to verbalize their thoughts and feelings. The overall aim is to enable clients to bring about change and growth by offering them the chance to express themselves in a non-threatening way.

Over the years, I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to witness how effective art therapy is for survivors of sexual abuse. Often survivors are left with overwhelming feelings of shame which are difficult to verbalise, or there simply are no words. Brene Brown, a research professor and renowned author, states that "Shame corrodes the very part of us that believes we are capable of change" and that "Shame derives its power from being unspeakable". Art therapy fits perfectly as a process to externalise, communicate, understand, and ultimately liberate oneself from shame. Not only the creation of an image and the image itself is valuable, but what is done with it is equally important; keep it, throw it away, destroy it or change it. The group also works well on a social level as the members often make connections and friendships that continue beyond the end of the sessions.

I have run this group, with success, for two charities in the past, but due to funding cuts and lack of provisions, I have decided to raise the money needed for the group with your help. The funds will cover the advertising and promotion; contacting organisations, local reporters and posters, initial meetings with possible group members, weekly sessions, art materials, room rent, supervision, and any post group work such as reports and feedback to referrers. I will also keep you, the funder, updated. If the full amount is not raised your money will provide a number of much needed individual sessions or be donated to The Sue Lambert Trust.Please donate and help.