ART for WELLBEING
ANNUAL REPORT 2020 TO 2021
Trigger warning: this report includes content about mental health and suicide.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we work. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging. We are committed to equality irrespective of abilities, socio-economic status, cultural background, spiritual beliefs, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Participants and crew playing talking heads at the drop-in studio, March 2021
Art for wellbeing Colour Them Safe is a Melbourne based arts organisation, passionate about wellbeing. Shockingly, Australians under 25 are more likely to take their own life than die in motor vehicle accidents. In 2018, 458 young people under the age of 25 died by suicide (Causes of Death, 2018, ABS). The most significant contributing factor in this is mental health (Raising the bar for youth suicide prevention, 2016, Orygen). We are working to change this. With the help of local volunteers, partner organisation and young people with lived experience, we develop and deliver art experiences that aim to improve social and emotional wellbeing. Our offering this year included: a regular a drop-in style studio in Brunswick; a new online program (multi week journey exploring art for wellbeing); and art for wellbeing facilitation training.
This report summaries and reflects on the people, programs, partnerships, objectives and outcomes of our work from 1st July 2020 to 30th June 2021.
Creating a path to wellbeing for young people Hi I am Albie, I wanted to share why I started Colour Them Safe. The original aim was simple, to brighten the lives of children and young people through art.
As a young person, I struggled with mental health and had times where I did not want to live. As painful as it is to put this out there, experiences like mine are too common.
With the help of friends, in 2013 we ran our first program exploring hope in Indonesia through daily art activities and a mural. Since then, Colour Them has taken us to Nepal, fostering mindfulness and gratitude through creativity; to India, exploring youth wellness; and now here in Australia developing art for wellbeing experiences.
I have been privileged to have people create a path to wellbeing for me; parents that encouraged me to be creative; a neighbour who held space for me and taught me crafts, an art teacher who saw my struggle and helped me express myself, psychologist’s who gave me tools to manage my mental health, and friends who helped me see my worth.
Along the way, we have been fortunate to work with and learn from dedicated volunteers, our passionate program partners, and many inspiring young people.
Through the work we do I aim to pay this privilege forward, ensuring at-risk young people have access to safe spaces, creative outlets and people that care.
Together, we have shaped Colour Them Safe into what it is today - a colourful community, committed to creating safe, supportive art spaces where young people in need can connect, explore art making and experience kindness.
Serious gratitude for everyone’s support. The path to wellbeing really is a creative journey, we take together Albie Colvin (He/they) Founder and Operations Coordinator
“Serious gratitude for everyones support. The path to wellbeing really is a creative journey, we take together.” - ALBIE, FOUNDER
Albie facilitating crew induction training
Young people we worked with 88% living with and/or effected by mental health challenges
49 young people
12-25 yrs experiencing disadvantage
Gender identified as 67% female
10% living with
and/or effected by disability
71% referred by health professionals
24% male
27% from Culturally and linguistically Diverse backgrounds
80% supported by someone
to join a program
8% non-binary 6% transgender 24% apart of the LGBTIQA+ community
Participant data collected from 1st July 2020 through to the 30th June 2021
Participants and crew doing mindfulness mask art activity at the drop-in studio, May 2021
Crew helping with the drop-in studio
Our colourful crew Our programs are run by a colourful crew of trained artists, art therapists, youth support workers and volunteers. Many have lived experience in mental health, come from culturally diverse backgrounds and are apart of the LGBTIQA+ community. This experience and diversity makes our crew uniquely empathetic.
We would not have made it through the year without our crew consistently showing up for young people in need. They are the heart of our organisation. Massive gratitude for our passionate and committed crew who ensure young people in our studios are safe, supported and celebrated. To ensure our crew are supported in their roles: we provide induction training; regular self-care events; encourage active participation in art making; debrief all sessions; and encourage everyone to call on coordinators for support.
“It’s just as therapeutic for me I think as it is for the young people. Such a great crew to connect with!” - DOM, VOLUNTEER
Drop-in studio An opportunity for young people to try relaxing art making, share a home cooked meal and meet people in a laid back studio space. The drop-in studio is run in partnership with Youthworx. A youth media social enterprise that trains highly marginalized young people in Brunswick. Through their training programs, they found many young people had barriers to engagement with formal learning, were experiencing high levels of stress, and were at-risk of significant mental health. We identified the need to provide therapeutic creative activities and the partnership was formed January 2019. This year, Youthworx continued to support the partnership in providing access to the studio space and youth support.
“When we work together, great things happen. Massive gratitude to Youthworx for their continued support. Special thanks to Desiree for the great games and epic energy you brought to the sessions.” ALBIE, OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
“Love the energy the crew bring into the space. The chance for young people to chill and get creative is awesome” - DESIREE, YOUTHWORX
Support workers, young people and crew at the drop-in studio, April 2021
Drop-in highlights Despite restrictions and lockdown due to COVID-19 we were able to host 5 drop-in studios for 15 young people experiencing disadvantage and mental health issues. We provided healthy plant-based meals and snacks at each session. Catering to the dietary requirements of young people. Safety Action Plans were complete prior to each session. The most common concern was COVIDsafe spacing, masks, and sanitisation. We added to the studio peer pact - group agreement created by young people. Ideas to keep the space safe and supportive for all. Energiser games were played at the start to help everyone get to know each other. We explored 8 individual art activities and 2 group activities (less due to social distancing) Following a request from a young person we added a baking activity to the sessions. To date, we have made chocolate cookies, bliss balls, ginger bread and apple pies.
“First time here. Grateful for the space, and all the new people.” - YOUNG PERSON
Debrief gatherings were held at the end of each drop-in. With young people we reflected on: things we were grateful for; things we didn’t like/challenges; and suggestions. The top gratitude was having somewhere to be, create and connect. Biggest challenge was the uncertainty of lockdowns. Main suggestion was adding more energisers.
“It was a really positive experience. I felt really safe and it’s just awesome you’ve been able to create that for young people. Coming into a group space has been really hard for me after being alone for some time. It was easier here” - YOUNG PERSON 13 volunteers contributed over 30 instances of hands on support for the drop-in. Setting up the space, preparing food, welcoming young people, facilitating activities and encouraging conversation.
“Really appreciate the organising crew. Making today happy, especially after lockdown being by myself,” - YOUNG PERSON
August 2020 Digital studio poster displayed at Youthworx
Creating connection through isolation - Digital studio pilot When we learnt the news about COVID-19, we suspended the drop-in studio. Our priority was to ensure the safety of everyone we work.
During the initial lockdown period, we recognised the potential to use mindfulness and narrative-based art making to help individuals connect with their physical space.
With social restrictions in place, we were concerned about young people being isolated, feeling disconnected and at greater risk of mental health issues.
After each art activity, we guided reflections, allowing participants and crew the chance to share their art making and discuss their thoughts, feelings and experiences.
With a lot of help from our crew, within a month, we adapted and launched an 8 week digital studio. Each Thursday afternoon from 3:30pm-5:00pm we engaged young people online using video conferencing in a variety of art experiences. Our goals were simple; to foster connection, improve wellbeing and promote positive mental health.
We also found that the digital platform was helpful in providing options for accessible communication (e.g. talking, typing, reactions/ emojis, sharing photos, cam on/off).
We curated each session around our goals and worked with young people to prototype the Personal Art Kits (PAKs). Consideration went into the needs of young people, material accessibility and ability, in order to everyone involved could create freely and fully.
Due to the positive outcomes of the pilot and Victoria’s ongoing restrictions, we continued running the program. We intend to refine and scale the program so we can improve access to art for wellbeing for more young people in need across Victoria. Al Lederman (She/her) Art Therapist and Programs Coordinator
Digital studio facilitators desk with art supplies
Digital studio An opportunity for young people to receive a kit of art supplies, meet people and enjoy relaxing art making in the comfort of their own space. The digital studio was set up in response to COVID-19 restrictions. We were concerned about young people being isolated in lockdown. The program was developed in consultation with young people, their careers, support workers and art therapists. We partnered with leading tertiary youth mental health provider Orygen. They helped with: program promotion; intake and referral; short listing applicants; and case management support for young people in the program. Youthworx kindly provided access to studio space with high speed internet for the facilitators.
“Massive thanks to the Orygen psychosocial team for their support and encouragement meet. Janaki and the team were been central in the development and delivery of the program.” ALBIE, OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
Personal Art Kits (PAKs) being prepared and packed
Digital highlights We were able to run two digital programs. One August 2020, then another May 2021. A total of 18 x 90 minute sessions. 260hrs of art for wellness completed by young people. We had 66 applications. 40 referals from health professionals, 8 from youth services, and 12 social media. With limited resources we managed to produce over 40 Personal Art Kits (PAKs). PAKs included a variety of colourful art supplies and utilised recycled materials. Most PAKs were hand delivered in our van. Over 500kms traveled accross metro and nonmetro Melbourne. A few posted, 1 to Adelaide
Outreach van aka the Mystery Machine
as a young peron relocated due to COVID. Crew recieved kits so they could also participate in the art making during sessions. We provided sample packs for our program partners and case managers so they could promote the studio and join sessions.
“Special thanks to the team at greencollect for helping with salvaged stationery.”
“it (the PAK) was like a big hug”
- YOUNG PERSON
Mahana supervising PAK deliveries, May 2021
Delivering digital sessions enabled us to increase access for groups of young people who have less opportunites than their peers. This included young people living nonmetro Melbourne, low income, LGBTIQ+, CALD backgrounds, and effected disability and sever mental health (young people we able to join from hospital). Technology also enabled us to improve accessibility for neurodivergent and CALD young people by utlising the chat feature. Co design was embeded across all aspect of the program so we could evolve the studio with and for young people. As a result we: added new games; packed more materials; increased art making time; provided clearer instructions; and started sessions with Wins Of the Week (WOW’s). Nine weeks to explore a range of art activities helped foster mindfulness, encourage self-reflection and build confidence.
“made me realise stuff I value the most, and kinda made me realise what I want to be able to spend my time on... It’s helped me be stronger and more resilient. “ - YOUNG PERSON
The duration of the program also enabled a community to form amonsgt young pepole and crew. The art making activities and reflective prompts promoted group reflection, sharing and empathy creation.
“Love the change that you can see in the young people opening up really shows the impact that the workshops have” - VOLUNTEER We saw improved agency amongst young people in the digital studio. Deciding what to share and when, choosing to have their camera and microphone on/off and advocating for themselves. Debreifs were held at the end of each session. With young people we reflected on: things we were grateful for; things we didn’t like/challenges; and suggestions. Young people were grateful to have a regular opportunity to connect and make art. Most common challenge was self-reflection.
“I gone through a lot in the last six months, I’ve overcome a lot so… I was grateful that I got to meet new people and overcome anxiety” - YOUNG PERSON
Mandeep’s story The most significant achievement of the program was having a postive effect on mental health.
“I feel more relaxed and I don’t feel depressed during my sessions, just doing art and listening to music, it really calms me” - YOUNG PERSON “coming to like meet new people and talk about different things and make art together it really just helps me to relax, and get out of my head I reckon. So yeah I really really enjoyed it and it definitely had a positive effect on my mental health” - YOUNG PERSON “Thank you for the support that they have given over the past nine weeks. Being there if you want to speak about art or something you got personally and yeah just being a great bunch of people.” - YOUNG PERSON
Mandeep is from a low income migrant family. For her, navigating social setting has its fair share of challenges. She has less opportunities than her peers and is often judged on her appearance. The digital studio provided the opportunity to for her connect with the group with her camera off and without appearance being a factor. She was able to enjoy the sessions from the comfort of her home with support from her family. “Grateful for things like art and the kind of days where you can just stay inside and you don’t need to do much… I chose to make a small sculpture, a mini house to represent being at home and not able to go out, but the small things I enjoy about being at home.”
Organisational capacity In June 2021, the Australian Charities and Non-Profits Commission (ACNC) granted our charitable status under the Health Promoting Charity subtype. Further to this the Australia Tax Office (ATO) gave us endorsed us a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). These two things are big things for any charity. It will enable us apply for grants, raise donations and begin expanding our funding base.
Massive thanks to founding board members Maddie, Tania and Albie for their patience and commitment in achieving our charitable status. It is an exciting time for the Colour Them Safe community. We hope to have our strategic plan ready in the new year. In preparation for organisational growth, in July 2021, we will be welcoming six new board members. Each with set skills and from diverse backgrounds to help deepen our impact and strengthen our governance.
Financial Statement For the Year ended 30 June 2021 STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS
($) 2021
Income
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
($) 2021
Current assets
Donations
0.00
Cash at bank
0.00
Interest
0.00
Inventory
0.00
Net Income
0.00
Current liabilities
Expenses* Administration
0.00
Human Resources
0.00
Marketing
0.00
Materials
0.00
Transport
0.00 0.00
Net surplus/(deficit) for the period
Accounts payable
0.00
Net assets
0.00
Equity Accumlated surplus/ (deficit) - prior years
0.00
Accumlated surplus/ (deficit) - current year
0.00 0.00
0.00
*Massive shoutout to ACGD Creative and their supporters. ACGD covered our expenses for the 2020/21 funancial year. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Income noted (post balance date)
Commitments noted
(post balance date)
5,000.00 0.00
$5,000+ will be received as donation from ACGD Creative July 2021 Invoices recieved as at 30 June 2021
Massive gratitude... Crew
Board
- Al Lederman (Art Therapist, Programs and training)
- Tania Thomasz
- Callum Goodes (Youth worker)
- Albie Colvin
- Daniel Ambler (Volunteer) - Desiree Tamou (Youth worker) - Dominque Gash (Volunteer)
- Maddie Freeman
Funder - ACGD Creative
Partners
- Georgina Aston (Community engagement)
- cohealth youth residential rehabilitation program
- Helena Sinclair (Volunteer)
- Lighthouse foundation
- Michael Colville (Volunteer)
- Merri Health
- Nhahn Cutajar (Volunteer)
- Orygen
- Robbie O’leary (Volunteer)
- Youthworx
- Tiana Iknvalu (Volunteer) - Zac Vassallo (Volunteer) Disclaimer: This report is provided for information. While care has been taken to ensure the content in the report is accurate, we cannot guarantee it is without flaw of any kind. Colour Them Safe is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). ACN 631141814 ABN 47631141814
With your support, more young people will have access to art experiences that foster connection and improve wellbeing. Here’s how you can help: ADVOCATE for the benefits of art for young people. Share our social media ENCOURAGE young people to do art making. Complete our training SHOW UP for young people in need. Join our colourful crew RESOURCE art experiences for young people. Provide materials + supplies Remember, the path to wellbeing is a creative journey - we take together. .................................................................................................... Proudly funded by:
Empowering community through creativity