headspace Werribee held its third NinjaArt exhibition last month, bringing together young people, their families and friends to showcase current works from the art therapy group.
Generous funding from The James Marcon Youth Health Foundation has enabled the ongoing delivery of a range of art and music programs across Orygen’s four headspace centres in north-west Melbourne – which have proven to be very popular among young people.
Connor, a member of the NinjaArt group, said the weekly art group gave him a reason to start doing art again and inspired him to get involved in the community at headspace Werribee.
“Each week I designated time and resources to start doing art again.” he said “A year later, I now have purpose, an avenue to express myself and I’m a YAG (Youth Advisory Group) member, studying to become a youth worker myself.
“On behalf of the Ninja Art community and headspace Werribee, I want to thank the Marcon Foundation for giving all of us this opportunity,” Connor said.
The art group, which meets weekly, creates a supportive and stimulating environment that allows young people to explore their creativity and invites them to establish friendships and connections.
Ella, another member of the art group, said attending the group was one of her coping strategies. “It takes away my anxiety and my stress from the day and it’s a release,” she said.
“If I didn’t have art group I wouldn’t have a way to get my anger and frustration out. I always go home happy after art group.”
Liz Burgat, Director of Clinical Services at Orygen, said she, along with the management of headspace Werribee, was incredibly grateful for the support from The Marcon Foundation.
“The art therapy group is important to the wellbeing of many young people in the centre,” Ms Burgat said. “This would not be possible without the generous contributions of The Marcon Foundation.
“The art group has created a safe environment for young people to express themselves in creative and social ways,” she said. “I’d also like to thank Kate Landolina and Robert Impey at headspace Werribee for running the classes each week with support from Nicolette Jamgotchian.”