News

ZooNation Launches Creative Care  – A three year programme to Support Children’s Mental Health Through Dance

15 July 2025

ZooNation is proud to launch Creative Care, a new 3 year programme designed to support the mental and emotional wellbeing of primary school children through movement, conversation and creativity. Developed in response to the rising levels of anxiety and mental health challenges among young people, the programme creates safe, imaginative spaces where children can explore their emotions and learn to manage them in healthy, expressive ways.

The programme is a flagship project within ZooNation’s ongoing residency at Robert Blair Primary, which launched in 2024. Through this long-term partnership, ZooNation is committed to embedding creativity into the everyday life of the school, enriching learning and building cultural confidence among students and staff alike.

Launching in Autumn 2025, Creative Care will engage Year 5 and 6 pupils at Robert Blair Primary School in Islington, where recent research has highlighted significant concerns among students, including fears around safety, online bullying and future uncertainty. Rather than focusing on clinical intervention, the programme will use dance and creative interpretation to help students better understand and express their feelings.

Head Teacher Mich Bahn shared: “It is inspiring to see our work with ZooNation enhance the quality of provision and expose pupils to opportunities within the world of work. Having experienced artists grow young talent and centre the work around pupil voice has been transformational. For our teachers, it’s about collaborating with professionals who bring in new skills that enrich learning beyond maths, science and English.”

In its first year, Creative Care will include a series of taster sessions followed by regular workshops, led by ZooNation artists and supported by a ZooNation Creative Assistant. The goal is to build emotional resilience, reduce stigma around mental health, and encourage confidence, particularly as students prepare to transition to secondary school.

The programme is led by ZooNation’s Founder and Artistic Director Kate Prince and Participation Manager Bradley Charles, alongside Mental Health specialists and supporting artists.
The project reflects our continued commitment to supporting young people’s wellbeing through the power of dance and creativity.

The Creative Care programme would not be possible without the generous support of The Linbury Trust.