A RECENTLY-formed Thurrock-based organisation is making a real difference to the lives of young people and has reported growing success.

David Barton set up 'Get Started Art' as a community interest company a few months ago and it has already blossomed into a recognised and much appreciated local service.

David says: "I love art and have always loved helping children and the elderly so providing Art materials free of charge to help disadvantaged children, vulnerable adults and people with learning difficulties seemed a natural progression.

"Art is vitally important for the welfare of children and a natural activity to support free play. The opportunity to manipulate different Art materials in an organic and unstructured way allows for imagination and exploration and is vital for learning.

"For people suffering with dementia, art and colour can be used to express thoughts, feelings and memories. It can help engage attention and may improve symptoms of anxiety and apathy.

Supporters have helped David get donations to many local groups.

"Art can also benefit people with learning difficulties or special needs as it allows the freedom of creative expression which can help them relax and think differently. Art and crafts can be valuable for asset for so many people.

"Given the current cost of living crisis, many local community groups struggle with resources and funding to allow for art materials which is why I started the incentive to donate the Art materials free of charge.

"We provide art materials to various groups to cover a variety of ages and levels of experience. We also have competitions to engage in arts and crafts projects with winners receiving craft or paints sets to explore their imagination even further.

David delivers a donation of arts materials to Basildon Hospital via the Polly Parrot appeal.

"Since we started the response has been unbelievable! I funded everything myself but now have a team on board so that we can expand the idea and hope to help as many people as we possibly can.

"We are already working with Changing Pathways Charity, SNAP, Mid and South Essex NHS Trust, Footsteps Youth Group and Workshop and Bennett Lodge Care Home to name but a few."

A Facebook page has been set up to feature the work of 'Get Started Art' and can be viewed via this link.