Sixty primary-aged pupils, who have been identified by their schools as needing focused interventions, are taking part in a six-week Fine Lines art programme organised by The Josh Hanson Trust, funded by Deo Duce Foundation and Harrow Changemakers.
Those taking part include children who are neurodiverse, have generalised anxiety, depression or disordered eating.
Each week, the pupils participate in structured art tutorials to help them overcome barriers that prevent self-expression and communication. Through their creative activities they also develop strategies to manage their challenging thoughts and feelings.
“Children and young people today are struggling with so many pressures and those taking part in these workshops have many additional needs that are not currently being addressed,” explained Tracey Hanson, CEO.
“Over the six-week programme, it’s wonderful to see the children and young people’s confidence grow as they develop new skills and new coping strategies that help improve concentration, self-control and manage distractions.”
Each child receives their very own Fine Line art kit in a canvas bag with links to online tutorials, so that they can continue what they learn in the workshops at home. Each kit includes:
- a watercolour paint pallet and paintbrushes
- A4 and A5 watercolour paper, a dot notebook
- Fineliner pens
- a stress ball
- a mindfulness resource and information leaflet.
Literacy through a tale of self-care
This year, 2026, is the National Year of Literacy and each child taking part in The Josh Hanson Fine Lines art programme is lucky enough to have been presented with their own copy of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse.
This modern children’s classic by Charlie Mackesy shows the importance of self-care and self-love when life is difficult – a message that is shared in a funny, beautifully illustrated and uplifting tale.
Each book was paid for by funders, Deo Duce Foundation and Harrow Changemakers. All books have been personally signed by Tracey Hanson, CEO of The Josh Hanson Trust before being shared with the children, who were delighted to receive their gifts.
“The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is a wonderful book about the stuff of life – friendship, kindness, generosity and self-care – the values we encourage and nurture in our Fine Line workshops,” explained Tracey Hanson CEO. “Being able to share this book with each child has been an unexpected bonus to our workshops.”
