Inspiration Academy Project Therapist

We are looking for a team member who is passionate about applying therapeutic approaches in non-clinical group settings, can inspire and support young people to take the lead in devising their own work, and committed to delivering wellbeing through creativity. You ll bring a therapeutic lens to help shape a pioneering new school engagement project, developed in partnership with local primary and secondary schools and youth clubs. As part of the DreamArts family, you ll benefit from ongoing professional development that explores the fusion of arts and therapy.

Project Overview

The Inspiration Academy will support Years 6-8 to engage with education, strengthen attainment and wellbeing, develop leadership skills, and build a sense of belonging. It is part of a new Belonging Partnership which represents a unique opportunity over 3 years to make a difference to young people during one of the most challenging periods of their lives. The partnership will enable us to track progress and share practice, with multiple perspectives available to assess how young people have benefited, including teachers and parents/carers. We know how rare such opportunities are and we are therefore hugely excited about it.

DreamArts contribution to the partnership is the Inspiration Academy, designed to reach 150 pupils in 5 primary schools annually. Of these, 30 young people identified as at-risk of disengagement receive tailored group-based support as they transition to Pimlico Academy.

Year 6 students from partner primaries will choose and explore a meaningful issue and lead a creative campaign for their school community. Those at risk of disengagement will work alongside peers, taking on positive roles that reshape their self-perception.

A week-long summer intensive will equip at-risk students with a toolkit to navigate the academic, social, and emotional challenges of secondary school. Once at Pimlico Academy, they ll train as Inspiration Ambassadors, delivering workshops to future cohorts.

Additionally, Family Express will provide parents/carers with a creative space to explore challenges alongside their children and other families, strengthening relationships and resilience. Through these opportunities, young people will be supported to build a sense of belonging within their schools and within their wider community.

Responsibilities

The Project Therapist will work alongside the Project Lead and provide a group-based creative therapeutic approach to the planning and co-delivery of the Inspiration Academy. You will help identify mental health and educational needs and co-develop strategies for reducing barriers to participation so that young people can:

Explore who they are

Build positive relationships with peers and adults

Improve their sense of belonging within their school community

In last year s staff satisfaction survey 100% of team members felt inspired at DreamArts to do their best at their job, and 100% said that their voice and skills matter at DreamArts.

DreamArts has a profound impact on the lives of young people and is a model of exemplary practice. - The Royal Central School of Speech & Drama, Impact Study

DreamArts has a mission; to transform young lives by fusing arts and therapy.

For over two decades, DreamArts has worked directly in the community, making a difference to the lives of over 500 young people each year in some of London s most deprived areas empowering them to explore who they are, build positive relationships and develop emotional wellbeing.

Our award-winning projects put young people in control: from devising new mini-musicals and immersive theatre, to young carers curating photography exhibitions and young refugees touring their original beatbox plays across the UK. Alongside this, our free therapeutic services offer vital support as mental health crises among young people continues to grow.

DreamArts is committed to providing an integrative and inclusive programme and not to discriminate on the grounds of race, ethnic origin, nationality, or culture. We are also committed to being a diverse and culturally representational organisation, therefore any applicant that identifies from a minoritised background and meets the essential criteria will be automatically selected for an interview.