Latest News
British Citizen Award Recognition (Jan 26)
Get Started Art founder David Barton has been honoured with a British Citizen Award for Services to the Arts in recognition of his work using creativity to support wellbeing, inclusion and community connection.
The award was presented at the Palace of Westminster and celebrates individuals from across the UK who make a positive difference through voluntary service, for the good of the country.
Alzheimer's Society Accreditation (Nov 25)
Get Started Art have been recognised as an Essex Inclusive Dementia Community (IDC) accredited group in partnership with Essex County Council and the Alzheimer’s Society.
Thank you to the Alzheimer's Society Essex team for the time they spent with us, and an especially big thank you to Maria, who was the inspiration for our latest colouring book, printed specially for those living with Dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Pride of Essex Awards (Oct 25)
We are pleased to share that Get Started Art founder, David Barton, has been awarded a Highly Commended in the Community Champion category at the 2025 Pride of Essex Awards, acknowledging his continued dedication to charitable and community work across Essex and the wider UK.
The Pride of Essex Awards is an annual event that celebrates the remarkable contributions of individuals and groups in Essex, recognising unsung heroes who make a difference in their communities.
He was proud to receive the award supported by Get Started Art Directors Martin Chapman and Chris Bushell, as well as his wife, Davina.
Essex High Sheriff (Sep 25)
We are delighted to announce that Get Started Art founder, David Barton, has been recognised with one of Essex’s most prestigious civic honours; the High Sheriff’s Certificate of Recognition, for his outstanding service to charity and community initiatives.
100KM. £1,200. One Incredible Effort. (May 25)
Huge Congratulations and Thank You to Ian Chambers!
Ian has walked over 100KM from London to Brighton, in less than 24 Hours, and raised almost £1,200 for Get Started Art!.
An incredible effort by an incredible man, thank you, Ian, for going the extra mile (and some)!
Children's Mental Health Week (Feb 25)
As part of Children’s Mental Health Week, running from February 3 to February 9, 2025, Freemasons have partnered with the charity ‘Get Started Art’ to make a meaningful contribution to young people’s well-being. Together, they are distributing 50,000 art therapy colouring books across the UK, aiming to bring a splash of colour and creativity to children in need.
Support for Ukraine (Aug 24)
10,000 Art Therapy Books and over 1000 Colouring Sets to schools and children's groups in Irpin and Bucha.
Dementia Action Week Campaign (May 24)
In support of Dementia Action Week, we have donated almost 20,000 Art Therapy colouring books across the UK to 75 Care Homes, and over 30 Dementia Charities, Community Groups and Senior Wards.
We won an award! (May 23)
We are delighted to announce, that we have been awarded with the 'Mayoral Roll of Honour' for exceptional services to the community.
Thank you, to each and every one of you, that supports us in what we do.
