Ark-T is based in Cowley and Blackbird Leys, which are in the top 20% and 10% (respectively) most deprived areas of the UK, according to the 2019 Multiple Index of Deprivation. Here, in OX4:
- Just under 5000 children are living in poverty
- The number of young people seeking help from mental health services has risen by 40% in the last 2 years
- 50% of people aged 65 and over in Oxfordshire, say TV or pets are their main company
- Half of all LGBTQ people have experienced depression in the last year
- 33% of residents in Church Cowley-Temple Cowley live in income-deprived households, compared to 14% nationally.
- For employment deprivation, 13% of Church Cowley-Temple Cowley residents are employment deprived compared to 8% nationally.
- 27% of children in Church Cowley-Temple Cowley live in low-income families compared to 17% across England.
- Only 18% of students from Church Cowley-Temple Cowley progress to higher education, compared to 48% across England.
- At Key Stage 2 assessments, only 47% of pupils meet expected standards in reading, writing and maths vs 65% nationally.
- 13% of residents report bad or very bad health compared to 5% across England.
- The disability living allowance claim rate is 7.4% vs 5.4% nationally.
We aim to use the powers of creativity and community to tackle these inequalities by inspiring community-driven change.
What makes us different?
- Our team expertise in the field of youth work, therapeutic arts, mental health and community development give us a combined total of over 130 years which enables us to work holistically.
- We offer 7 different programmes which employ varying levels of support for both improved mental health and wellbeing, and creative skills development, depending on individuals’ needs. Participants can progress through our programmes, as well as get signposted to services delivered by our partners
- We sit on several partnerships, including Oxford’s Cultural Partnership, the Oxford Anti-Racism Cultural Alliance, and the Roar Arts Partnership. Our passion for partnership-driven social change across multiple sectors inspires innovation in inclusion in the arts and education in Oxfordshire.
- We have attracted support from many major grant funding bodies, as well as individual donors.
- Our work with families, and our focus on different generations coming together to be creative and to celebrate, is a key way we contribute to keeping our community healthy and happy.