Our Work Vision and Values Teapot Trust has a vision – one where every child or young person living with a long term health condition can access transformational art therapy without barriers or cost. We provide art therapy across the UK, as an effective psychological intervention to improve the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people with health conditions such as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Sickle Cell Disease and Cystic Fibrosis. 1 in 4 children and young people in the UK suffer with a long term health condition that causes anxiety, depression and childhood trauma. Almost a third of those aged under 21 who take their own lives have a long-term chronic illness. Typically, these young patients need regular invasive tests, injections and treatments. They often feel misunderstood, saying others don’t believe they’re in pain because their condition is “invisible”. Through the gentle process of art therapy, Teapot Trust supports them to express and process their feelings about their diagnosis, their treatment regime, and how this affects them day-to-day. Through art therapy, they find effective coping tools which build resilience. It is powerful and transformative. 92% make good progress towards their goals, no longer feeling defined by their condition. Since 2010, Teapot Trust has supported over 15,000 children and young people, working with hospitals, patient support groups and community organisations. By the end of the sessions, there was a huge improvement in his mental health and it helped him completely turn around the way he was feeling to enable him to cope so much better. He now seems to have a very positive outlook on life. Children's Rights The Teapot Trust takes seriously our commitment to children’s rights and it is at the centre of all we do. We have taken a proactive approach to embedding the full United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child - Article 24 which aims to ensure every child has the right to the best possible health is at the heart of everything we do. Of particular relevance to our work are: Article 3 (Best Interests of the Child) - The best interests of the child must be a top priority in all decisions and actions that affect children. Article 12 (Respect for the Views of the Child) - Every child has the right to express their views, feelings, and wishes in all matters affecting them and to have their views considered and taken seriously. By listening to children and young people’s views, ideas and experiences we can adapt and enhance our services to them. We can ensure the language we use, the way we engage, where we engage and how we provide art therapy meets the child's need in the best way possible. Photography by the V&A Dundee. Manage Cookie Preferences