1.5 Million and Counting: Get Started Art books reach incredible milestone
The Get Started Art books founded by Dave Barton reaches an incredible 1.5million donated in the community
Get Started Art, an Essex charity dedicated to providing free arts and crafts materials, has reached a remarkable milestone—donating over 1.5 million art therapy books and activity sheets to hospitals, schools, care homes, and community groups across Essex and beyond.
This incredible achievement has been made possible through the steadfast support of Essex Freemasons and Freemasons across the UK, whose generosity has helped fund the printing and distribution of these vital resources.
Their commitment to community engagement has played a key role in ensuring that disadvantaged children, vulnerable adults, and individuals with learning disabilities or special needs have access to creative tools that promote well-being and mindfulness.
With the recent printing of 5,000 activity pages for two Essex school groups in Basildon and Thurrock, Get Started Art continues to make a lasting impact, including:
20,000 Art Therapy Books donated to hospitals and care homes during Dementia Awareness Week.
10,000 Art Therapy Books sent to nursery schools and children’s groups in Ukraine affected by conflict.
50,000 Art Therapy Books distributed across UK schools and hospitals to support Children’s Mental Health Week.
5,000 Art Therapy Books donated to orphanages and community projects in Ghana and Senegal.
100,000 activity pages provided to NHS schools, including Great Ormond Street Hospital and Barts.
Founder and Essex Freemason David Barton expressed his gratitude:
"Reaching this incredible milestone is truly humbling. Community engagement and mindfulness are at the heart of everything we do. With thanks to Freemasons, our dedicated volunteers, local initiatives, and community-driven projects, we’re ensuring that our support reaches those who need it most."
Paul Tarrant, Provincial Grand Master for Essex commented:
“I am delighted to give my wholehearted support to this project and the ‘Get Started Art’ charity. This inspiring initiative aligns perfectly with the core values of Essex Freemasonry – Service, Compassion, and Community.
By providing free arts and crafts materials and support, ‘Get Started’ is making a tangible difference to the lives of disadvantaged children, vulnerable adults, and those with learning disabilities or special needs across Essex. It not only fosters creativity but also offers a lifeline to individuals and groups facing challenges that many of us cannot imagine.
Together, we can support this remarkable project and further demonstrate the positive impact of Essex Freemasonry in our local communities.
With the ongoing backing of Freemasonry, Get Started Art remains dedicated to bringing comfort, creativity, and connection to communities—one page at a time.
Photos
Top: A huge milestone for Get Started Art
Middle: Delivery of books to Mid and South Essex Hospitals charity
Bottom: Art therapy in action
