Access to art and nature for children is declining and there is growing national concern over children’s wellbeing.
Midlands pupils are 20% less likely than London pupils to visit galleries, and access to green space in the West Midlands is set to fall below minimum standards by 2040.
Did you know?
- 1 in 5 children aged 8-16 experience mental health problems?
- 1 in 5 primary-age children show rising emotional and behavioural difficulties?
- 1 in 4 teenagers report anxiety, depression or loneliness?
The good news is that even short arts experiences can boost children’s wellbeing, confidence, creativity and learning.
That’s why we’re taking part in The Big Give, with a goal to raise £42,000 to support us to welcome 6,500 children from our region to free or subsidised workshops at Compton Verney each year.
In this 3 minute video teachers, students and Compton Verney’s CEO and Learning and Engagement manager explain what school trips to Compton Verney look like and what opportunities they provide to those attending.
A school trip to Compton Verney provides time in nature and opportunities to grow creatively, building resilience, confidence and imagination, and improving mental wellbeing.
Recent evaluation shows that 93% of children feel more included and 79% feel happier after visiting Compton Verney on a school trip to take part in facilitated workshops that link with the national curriculum.
Compton Verney has been hosting school trips for over 15 years meaning that at least 70,000 nursery, primary and secondary aged children have benefitted from a trip here.
Now, more than ever, it’s essential that Compton Verney can continue to provide this service.
The impact of a trip is sustained: 86% of teachers surveyed 3-6 months after their visit said they had noticed improvements in their pupils’ creative habits and wellbeing following the experiences they had at Compton Verney, including:
- Increased enthusiasm
- Greater confidence
- Pride in work
- Engagement from quieter pupils
Not just one but lots of children have become more confident after our trip.
The cost of school trips is heavily subsidised by Compton Verney to keep them within the reach of schools and nurseries. Free visits and support with transport are offered to schools who couldn’t otherwise afford to come. 21% of students who visit Compton Verney are from the most deprived 20% of the UK.
We need your support to help us continue providing these inspiring experiences for children and young people from across our region.
That’s why, between Tuesday 17th March and Tuesday 24th March, we’re asking you to support our Big Give campaign with a donation.
Donations will be doubled through Big Give to help reach the target of £42,000. By getting involved, you’ll be helping even more children and young people to feel happier and more creative.
Children that live in a city – some of those children never go to spaces like this. Compton Verney puts those children at ease, and over the day you can see them relaxing…if we had to charge children to come, there are definitely children who wouldn’t be able to come.
For your donation to be doubled by match funders through Big Give, it needs to be made between Tuesday 17th and Tuesday 24th March 2026; we would be so grateful for your support.
