Helium launches first in-person summer art camp for local kids
A local children’s charity is set to bring its first-ever in-person summer art camp to Westmeath this July, offering a creative lifeline to children living with long-term physical health conditions.
Helium, a Mullingar-based national charity, has partnered with Westmeath County Council’s Creative Ireland Programme to deliver the free, three-day camp. Taking place at the Mullingar Congress Centre on July 21–23, the initiative is open to children aged 8–12 who are navigating conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, spina bifida, and cystic fibrosis.
Led by visual artist and theatre practitioner Katie Lynch, the camp promises three days of imagination, friendship, and fun. To ensure peace of mind for parents, every in-person workshop is supported by a qualified paramedic.
The initiative comes at a crucial time. According to the Central Statistics Office’s 2024 Irish Health Survey, almost one in five children (18.4%) in Ireland aged 2 to 17 live with a long-standing illness, leading to significant social and emotional challenges. Helium aims to tackle this isolation by providing a safe space where children can express themselves, reduce anxiety, and build confidence.
For many local families, the camp is a highly anticipated milestone. Ten-year-old Aisling Savage, a pupil at Holy Family Primary School, has participated in Helium’s online workshops for four years.
“The workshops have really helped build her confidence,” said her mother, Cathy Savage. “Aisling loves most that she’s encouraged to use her imagination and create in her own way, at her own pace… she can’t wait to experience Helium’s workshops in person for the first time.”
The camp marks a major homecoming for Helium. Since 2023, the charity has rapidly expanded its national footprint, growing from four to seven hospitals and from eight to 13 community locations nationwide. The charity is also preparing to move to a larger premises off Castle Street to accommodate its ongoing growth.
“As a charity headquartered in Mullingar, it’s especially exciting to launch our first in-person programme here at home,” said Helium CEO and founder Helene Hugel, thanking local and national funders.
Nicola Gilcreest, arts officer with Westmeath County Council, welcomed the initiative, noting that creativity plays an important role in supporting children’s wellbeing.
While the afternoon sessions are already fully booked, a limited number of places remain available for the morning workshops. Parents can secure a spot by visiting helium.ie.