Hello, I’m Ellie – a practicing Artist and aspiring Art Psychotherapist.
I have set up this page, as part of my quest to raise funds for my upcoming
Masters Degree. Having been recently accepted onto the Art Psychotherapy
programme at Goldsmiths University, I am now facing the very scary prospect of
meeting the costs involved. All I ask is for just 5 minutes of your time, to read this page and see
how this is more than just a plea for money, but one to support my charity work
and on-going mission to make this dream become a reality.
FYI: When you pay via Paypal it will say something about agreeing to a "pre-approved payments plan" - this does not mean that you're tying yourself into multiple payments, it is just because Hubbub does not take the donation from your account until the campaign has finished (in early July). The 'plan' will then be automatically removed from your account, with no strings attached. Sorry if this has caused any confusion!
Why Art Therapy?
Since studying Psychology and Fine Art at college, I have been fascinated by
the possibility of intertwining the two disciplines, to create a service that
has the ability to support, enhance and heal lives. During 2015 I travelled to Canada where I was able to use my BA in Fine Art to
train and volunteer in a Mental Health Hospital (CAMH) and a Homeless Youth Shelter (Covenant House).
On returning to the UK, I began volunteering as the In House Artist at The Fountain Centre, Royal Surrey County Hospital, where I currently run a group
for cancer patients, using art as a cathartic tool and a way of communicating
emotions that may otherwise be too painful to express. This experience and
insight into the role of an Art Therapist has furthered my aspiration to read
Art Psychotherapy at Masters level, which I will be starting in October 2016.
For more information and examples of Art Therapy, please select the links
below:
The British Association of Art Therapy
Cancer Research UK
MIND
Although the fees surrounding this venture are rather terrifying, I am determined
not to let them dissuade me, so am reaching out to everyone and anyone for
support in helping me meet this challenge head on.
In fear of prattling on for too long…
Here is an estimated breakdown of the
costs (click figures to link to source):
- £10,402 tuition fees
- £4,500 living costs (I plan to live as modestly as possible!)
- £5,200 Personal Therapy (a mandatory course requirement, estimated at £50
per week, for 2 years)
In addition to the demands of the course, I am hoping to continue my voluntary
role at The Fountain Centre, however this commitment incurs additional travel
costs and will compromise my ability to do paid work, as it occupies the only
spare day I have each week.
I realise that I am just one of many students trying to make ends meet,
but having spent the past 6 years working to reach this stage, I am more driven
then ever to seal the deal and make it happen.
Why I need your help…
Not only are the course fees high, but also there are no grant/loan schemes available
from the Government, as they are currently only helping students that embarked
on Undergraduate study from 2012 (I missed the boat by one year!) With this in
mind, I have been working as a Support Worker for individuals with Autism, but
as you can imagine, raising all of the funds on minimum wage, within a year, is
pretty much mission impossible! So, reluctantly, I’m appealing for the help of
my friends and family that know how much this means to me, and to the goodwill
of the general public, in the hope that some will be able to offer support. If I could continue to complete this as a solo mission, I would, but the
truth is, I can’t and I wouldn’t be asking for your help unless I really needed
it.
To say ‘thank you’...
My promise to anyone able to donate is that I will dedicate the next two
years of my life to successfully completing this course and continuing to work
within the community on a voluntary/charity basis throughout. In addition to this, I am offering 'rewards' to those of you that are able to pledge a little more - please check out the right hand column of this page to see how your money can go even further.
Raising such
a large sum of money is going to be a huge challenge, but I am determined not
to let the barrier
of tuition fees stand in my way. I couldn’t be more passionate about a career in
Art Therapy and look forward to embarking on this final stage – whatever it
takes!
All donations, even the smallest ones, will be hugely appreciated.
I am so excited by the prospect of studying for this degree, and if enough
people are able to give a little something, it really will make all the
difference.
Thank you in
advance for anything you are able to contribute. I am eternally grateful for
your support!
Love and best wishes,
Ellie
