Unique seminars explore arts-based therapy in child neglect, wellbeing and resilience

The first in a series of unique seminars focusing on childhood and adolescent neglect and its impact on a child’s development, self-esteem and confidence took place in Glasgow this week.

WithScotland, University of Stirling and University of Dundee have collaborated on the seminar series, following a successful £20,000 funding application to the Scottish Universities Insight Institute, also supported by Creative Scotland and NSPCC Scotland.

Childhood and adolescent neglect is often associated with a range of negative outcomes which affect life chances. The seminars, which will be attended by over 250 professionals from a range of disciplines, will explore how art, theatre and dance can help to shape healthier communities. Professionals attending are working with children and young people affected by neglect.

Beth Smith, Director, WithScotland commented: “Engagement across key sectors and organisations is one of the main aims of this series of seminars. The programme has been developed in partnership between academia and practitioner organisations, enabling us to deliver events which combine the research on child neglect with interactive arts based work, formal presentations, group work and discussions.

“The collaboration between academics, policy makers and practitioners is a unique opportunity to combine theory and practice in order to develop fresh approaches to this issue and to find innovative opportunities for improving responses and effectiveness in the complex area of neglect.”

Later seminars in the series will focus on therapeutic and community interventions developed by organisations such as the Art Room, Big Noise, Licketyspit and Macrobert Arts Centre. Such organisations will demonstrate how they work collaboratively with GIRFEC Coordinators, art projects and drama therapists to develop bespoke projects.

Professor Brigid Daniel from the University of Stirling, commented: “Neglect continues to be an intractable problem for many children and young people in Scotland and is extremely damaging to children in the short and long term. The experience of neglect can affect physical, cognitive and emotional development, relationships, behaviour and opportunities. It affects children in the early years, but teenage neglect, which is often overlooked, is also extremely damaging.

“Formulating an effective response still poses national and local challenges, however, children may want to seek help through conversation and young people value professionals they feel they can trust. These events will help us to explore the options which provide opportunities for children and young people to express themselves in a safe environment. When able to do this, it can lead to increased levels of confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing in children who have experienced neglect.” 

An illustrator will also produce a creative story board animation with real time drawings which will depict elements of neglect, wellbeing and resilience which will be posted online at the end of the seminar series. 

For more information, research and reports on neglect, visit: WithScotland  /  Scottish Universities Insight Institute  /  University of Dundee