Art workshops for Limerick children with lifelong health conditions to feature on national TV

THE work being done in Limerick by a charity which helps children with long-term medical conditions will be highlighted on RTÉ television later this week.

Helium has provided a range of art workshops in Limerick which will feature in the broadcasts which will also focus on a Limerick family who are availing of the supports.

Presented by Limerick woman Reem El-Hassany, the programmes will air on RTÉ Junior News2Day at 4:20pm this Wednesday and on RTÉ Nationwide at 7pm on Thursday.

Speaking about the shows, Reem stated: “I'm so excited to be doing a story from home for my first piece for Nationwide.”

The episode follows Cian Murphy, aged 11, and his family, who attended one of Helium’s workshops which took place at Southside Child and Family Centre in Roxboro.

The workshop was led by Limerick artist Chelsea Canavan and provided a space for Cian to meet other participants, explore his creativity and learn new skills. 

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Helium, was established in 2010, has worked with over 7,000 young people in Ireland to provide “artistic and creative interventions”.

The charity seeks to empower children who may feel isolated and experience stigma related to their health conditions. 

Through the medium of art, many children across the country have found the workshops very helpful.

“It was really good. I’ve made a few friends,” said Rossa Doody, age 11, who also attended the Limerick workshop.

Andrew Ryan, aged 9, who also features in the two programmes added: “I’m so happy to be an artist today. It was so much fun."

Speaking about the value of the workshops for these children, Helium CEO Heléne Hugel stated: “Research shows that children with long-term health conditions are at increased risk of emotional and behavioural problems. They miss significant amounts of time in school – up to 50% of the school year in many cases – and their self-reported happiness levels are much lower than those of children without health issues. Our year-round work aims to address these challenges. By providing artistic and creative interventions for young people, we enhance their creative development and wellbeing, which in turn supports therapeutic and health outcomes.”

Both Nationwide and News2Day will be presented by Limerick woman, Reem El-Hassany. It is Reem’s first piece for Nationwide, having been announced as RTÉ News2Day new co-presenter in 2021.