The contribution will aid in developing a virtual reality version of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show’s ‘Elsewhere’ Garden. Young in-patients who are too ill to leave their beds and outpatients who spend long periods in clinic will be able to participate in art therapy using iPads and headsets, giving them the experience remotely.

Teapot Trust envisions a future where children and young people living with long-term health conditions can freely access transformative art therapy without barriers, cost, or delay. Founded in 2010 by Laura and John Young, the charity was inspired by their daughter Verity’s experiences with chronic illness.

Teapot Trust provides art therapy, a clinically proven intervention, to help children develop coping tools, improve mental health, and build resilience. The therapy is highly effective, with 93% of participants making good progress toward their goals. The charity focuses on children with chronic illnesses such as Cystic Fibrosis, Epilepsy, Juvenile Arthritis, and kidney disease.

Sarah Randell, Chief Executive, Teapot Trust said “At Teapot Trust we’re super-grateful to the VINCI UK Foundation and to Steve Mosley specifically who is walking alongside us through this innovative project. The funds that have been gifted will purchase tech to enable our young patients at Glasgow Children’s Hospital (who usually do art therapy indoors) to experience our ‘Elsewhere’ Garden virtually. This is an important therapeutic ‘escape’ from a clinical environment, and from the burden of chronic illness, into a magical world of fantasy and colour. The impact in young lives will be very significant. Thank you.”

Steve Mosley, Information and Communications Manager, Omexom UK was introduced to the project by Ruth Ottley, Head Coordinator for the VINCI UK Foundation, due to his tech skills. After an initial online meeting, he visited the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow to understand the work with young patients and experience Teapot Trust’s Elsewhere Garden for art therapy, which inspired the Virtual Reality (VR) application. Steve is liaising with Edify, the tech company providing the VR, and hospital staff to guide young patients in using the VR kit. Steve will attend the official opening of the garden and work closely with Edify and hospital staff to ensure the VR application is effective for in-patient and out-patient children.

“I am delighted to be working with Sarah and the team at Teapot Trust. The support they give to children and families living with long term, and often painful, health conditions is inspiring.  Their art therapy programs transform lives and it’s fantastic we can provide VR and digital art equipment to further enhance these sessions.” says Steve Mosley, Information and Communications Manager, Omexom UK.

The VINCI UK Foundation was founded in 2016 with the mission to strengthen communities by improving access to training, employment, housing, healthcare, mobility, and leisure activities for society’s most disadvantaged and vulnerable people.

Since then, the VINCI UK Foundation has combined almost £1.6 million in financial support with the practical skills and expertise of VINCI employees to help over 289 charities or community projects championing social inclusion across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Find out more about Teapot Trust and the VINCI UK Foundation.