I am a strong believer in the power of art to transform our lives, expand our horizons and bring us joy.

Solid evidence and research show that active engagement with the arts and culture, whether through our own creative practice or through our enjoyment of the creative practice of others, is very beneficial for the health and wellbeing of us all.

I recently became a Trustee of the National Center of Creative Health to help foster the conditions in which creative health approaches can become integral to health and care and to wider systems over time.

Today we are climbing for AT The Bus. This charity offers a very bespoke school-based program of Art as therapy supporting children and young people (aged 5-16) with their education, health, and wellbeing. The results are Fast and outstanding, Therefor, the demand by more schools to work with At The Bus's is off the charts!

Group sessions take place during the school day in a purposely designed therapeutic studio space either in a double decker bus located on school grounds, or in specially designed studio spaces within a school; using art to support and enable young people with complex needs to raise their self-esteem and build their self-confidence, resilience and independence has been proven to be extremely effective. The immediate positive results are very exciting.

My hope is that this pledge helps to raise funds and shine a spotlight on this inspiring organization.

X Isabelle