Core Arts

Who we are

Who we are 

Core Arts was established in 1992 and is an award winning  Service User guided Mental Health Charity based in Hackney.

Core Arts exists to enrich the lives of socially excluded people with severe mental health issues

Our inclusive Education College delivers creative education and progression pathways to 1500 referred  adults per year,  suffering severe and enduring mental health problems.  Our NHS referrals are from 20 London Boroughs. 10% are LGBTQI+, 70% are from BAME communities from London’s inner city boroughs, of which 50% are young afro-Caribbean men means we are reaching those who face the toughest barriers to inclusion. We work closely with the East London NHS Foundation Trust, the London Borough of Hackney, and other 20 councils and commissioning groups across London. 

We have a blended learning centre with 20 zoom classes a week and 55 face to face classes per week at the college. We also have a membership volunteering progression program, plus we have a 300 capacity hall for events a fully licensed bar and 3 gallery spaces to showcase art work .

Our external events program includes high profile collaboration with the creative and music industries in London offering our clients the best opportunities to showcase their work in quality venues.

 Our mission is to promote positive mental health and wellbeing through creative learning. Providing quality education, training, sporting and horticultural  activities in our day centre. Plus employment initiatives through our social enterprises Core Design and Core Landscape, enabling people who experience mental health-issues to overcome barriers, fulfill their potential to achieve their personal goals and aspirations and make a full contribution to society.