Cork children’s arts charity pay visit to Lord Mayor

Helium Arts aims to improve the wellbeing of children and teenagers living with lifelong physical health conditions.
Cork children’s arts charity pay visit to Lord Mayor

The Lord Mayor of Cork councillor Kieran McCarthy speaking to Helium Arts participants and their families including (from left to right) Franciszek Stasiak from Cullen, Annette Cotter, Faye Miller from Mallow and Josh Miller from Mallow. Photo: Marcin Lewandowski.

THE Lord Mayor of Cork councillor Kieran McCarthy recently welcomed practitioners and young people involved in Helium Arts to City Hall — a group he said are “very worthy of honouring”.

Helium Arts is a children’s charity which aims to improve the wellbeing of children and teenagers living with lifelong physical health conditions by providing free creative workshops which take place in hospitals, online, in person, and within local communities.

Several participants along with their families recently met with the Lord Mayor to speak about the impact of their participation in the Helium Arts programmes in Cork.

'Worthy of honouring'

The charity hosts workshops across various locations across Cork, including Mayfield Arts Centre, the Togher Family Centre, and the Big Blue Cube in Mallow.

“The practitioners and participants in the various Helium programmes are very worthy of honouring,” the Lord Mayor said.

“The confidence and positivity of the children is clear to see. Helium Arts breaks down barriers that many of us take for granted.

“It creates opportunities for expression and growth among children and young people who have lifelong physical conditions. It is important that the arts and culture embedded in Irish society does not leave anyone behind.”

Challenges

Helene Hugel, CEO and artistic director for Helium Arts, said 13% of children in Ireland live with the challenges of a lifelong health condition.

“Research shows that young people living with health conditions face loneliness, stress, anxiety, and can feel defined by their condition.

“They experience stigma associated with their condition, social isolation, and loneliness and fewer quality friendships. At Helium Arts, we’re committed to addressing these challenges year-round. According to a recent independent evaluation of our community program, 100% of parents reported that their child experienced an improved quality of life after participating in Helium Arts workshops.

“This is a testament to the positive impact of our work on the lives of these young individuals and their families,” she said.

Children and young people interested in participating in a Helium Arts workshop — online, or in person — can find details of events taking place nationwide at https://helium.ie/workshops.

Read More

More in this section

Lands acquired for new Ballincollig school remain in Council ownership Lands acquired for new Ballincollig school remain in Council ownership
Flooding expected as Met Éireann issue status orange rain warning for Cork Flooding expected as Met Éireann issue status orange rain warning for Cork
Status yellow weather warning issued for Cork Status yellow weather warning issued for Cork

Sponsored Content

Turning AI ambition into action: Dell Technologies leads the way Turning AI ambition into action: Dell Technologies leads the way
Delicious desserts and exclusive pours, perfect for Christmas Delicious desserts and exclusive pours, perfect for Christmas
A top expert reveals the perfect wine for festive cheer and Christmas party pairings A top expert reveals the perfect wine for festive cheer and Christmas party pairings
Contact Us Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more