I'm Nina, and I started ArtHouse Social after my daughter left her special needs school and lost the friendships and community she'd built over years. Watching her confidence crumble, I knew if she was experiencing this, countless other young adults were too. So we created a space where young adults like her can build friendships and find belonging.

When young people with learning differences leave school, the support network they relied on disappears overnight. Many spend their free time alone at home, despite desperately wanting connection. But it doesn't have to be that way.

ArtHouse Social is where young adults aged 18–25 come together in the evenings to create, chat, listen to music, and simply be themselves.... We're all about building independence through community—meeting in the evenings, traveling to sessions independently, going out together, and making real adult friendships.

It's a judgment-free space where connections happen naturally—over paint and clay, during cinema trips, at the pub, or just hanging out.

What we do:

Fortnightly creative sessions in the evening—painting, music, making art together, lots of laughter (always free)

Monthly outings (cinema, bowling, meals out, park walks)

Building a community where everyone belongs

Supporting independence and confidence

Why We Need Your Help

We launched in May 2025, running entirely on volunteer commitment. We've proven the model works—participants are forming real friendships and building confidence.

Due to circumstances changing, from April we need to transition to paying therapists fairly to keep sessions going.

Without funding, sessions stop.

Your donation helps us -

Pay therapists for their professional work

Keep sessions running consistently

Make outings completely free (right now we sometimes have to ask participants to contribute)

Maintain free access to all creative sessions

Grow to support more young people

Keep sessions running consistently

Maintain free access for all participants

Grow to support more young people

Every pound builds belonging, creativity, and friendship.

Please note: As we're awaiting charity registration, donations are not currently eligible for Gift Aid. Once registered, we'll transition to JustGiving for Gift Aid-eligible donations.

Funds will be received by Nina Stafford, Chair of Trustees of ArtHouse Social CIO, and managed in accordance with our charitable constitution.