Hello, my name is Erin. I recently finished my induction as sessional Art Therapist for the Teapot Trust, working in The Great North Children's Hospital. The post is working within the Rheumatology department and with Bridges School, which is based in the hospital. I am providing children and young people with 1:1 and group art therapy sessions. 

Art therapy is a wonderful way to engage children and their families, helping them to explore their feelings in a safe and contained environment. Offering a safe place to explore these feelings creatively by the bedside of patients is just one of the ways that an Art Therapist can provide individual support. 

There is also a Play Specialist and a Music Therapist on the ward, as well as a team of Clinical Psychologists to work alongside, so there are lots of opportunities to share knowledge and learn from others. I’m really pleased to be part of Team Teapot and the team at Great North Children’s Hospital, and I look forward to supporting children with chronic conditions and their families.

 

Megan Keane (left) and Erin Young (right), our new art therapy team in Newcastle.

 

Erin qualified and registered as an Art Therapist in June 2019 with an MSc in Art Psychotherapy from Queen Margaret University. Since then she has worked as a Resilience Coach, working with adults aged 16-65 with mental health issues and autism on a 1:1 capacity in their communities. She has a degree in Textile Design and enjoys using art and textiles in her work with clients, helping them gain insight about themselves and to promote self-care for their own mental health.