Inside Me
The successes of Roots and Wings inspired an arts and emotional literacy programme instigated by Loca, an arts development agency based in Batley. Children’s Fund Kirklees commissioned a two-year programme (April 2006 – March 2008) and it firmly established its credentials in terms of its contribution to: the emotional health of children in communities characterised by high levels of deprivation.
NHS Kirklees has commissioned Loca to develop the Inside Me model, prioritising schools in communities characterised by high levels of social and economic deprivation and where the Primary Care Trust’s Area Needs Assessment has identified young people’s emotional health/well-being to be a high priority.
Loca will be further strengthening its links with the Roots & Wings project at Chickenley, whose successes inspired the original Inside Me programme. For both projects the strong emphasis on Reflective Practice and professional development will continue, through skill-sharing and collaborative working between artists and school staff. Mary Robson will facilitate and guide artists and school staff throughout the programme.