Grace and Kim are two single mothers and freelance creatives from Hitchin, UK who are fighting to get a building from the council, that already belongs to the town. They believe in the transformative power of art therapy, especially on trauma, so much, because they have proved it works on themselves, healing from the worst trauma life could throw at you. 

We now know its scientifically proven that engaging in creative activities can significantly reduce stress levels, improve mental health and boost wellbeing (source: American Journal of Public Health) and with incoming climate anxiety we believe we can help many. 

Our personal experiences echo how important this campaign is; as it’s through creativity we managed to survive our darkest hours, battling the dark abyss of suicide, both personally and with our children. We also know what trauma feels like which enables us to help so many others, we’ve been there. Despite all odds we stand here today stronger than ever because we found healing through creativity and community and also realised how little real support is really out there for people with trauma. 

Our hope is to open the first of its kind of creative community centre not only used to serve as a sanctuary for those battling their inner demons, but also as a platform for re-connecting our community using creativity as an essential tool. It will help us all stay sane and alive amidst life's challenges including climate change which is increasingly impacting our mental health (source: Lancet Countdown on Health & Climate Change).

We have dedicated hundreds of hours to workshopping evidence that supports the effectiveness of art therapy for others.

Now, it's time for us to take a step further, and that’s where you come in!

We have found an old building is under a legal covenant stating that it must be used for the good of the community in Hitchin. We need you to join us in campaigning against plans to commercialise and override a gift that was given to the town!

By signing this petition, you're supporting the creation of a safe space where everyone can heal through art while fostering community resilience against adversities. Please sign this petition now and share this petition far and wide to make a lasting impact.