Wellbeing

Studio Upstairs (Art Therapy): Low-Cost Wellbeing & Mental Health Service in Croydon

## What is Studio Upstairs? Studio Upstairs is an arts and health charity providing therapeutic art studio space for adults (18+) experiencing mental health or emotional difficulties. Rather than traditional art classes, Studio Upstairs offers a creative community where members access workspace, artistic resources, and support from qualified art therapists who are also practising artists. The Croydon studio is located at CVA Resource Centre on London Road, operating on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The studio functions as a safe social space where members can experience a sense of belonging while making artwork. The creative environment allows for expression and exploration that might be difficult to access through talking alone. ## Who Can Use Studio Upstairs? The service is for adults (18+) experiencing mental health or emotional difficulties. You don't need any artistic experience - the focus is on the therapeutic process rather than producing polished work. Members can explore drawing, painting, sculpture and other media. The studio welcomes people with various mental health conditions and emotional challenges. ## How Do I Access Studio Upstairs? Costs are typically funded through NHS Care Plans or Adult Social Care (approximately £98 per session), or through Personal Independence Payment support (£70-80 per session). Speak with your GP, care coordinator, or key worker about whether you might be eligible for funding. You can also contact Studio Upstairs directly on **020 8616 5440** to discuss your options. Recent City Bridge Foundation funding has expanded access to art therapy groups. ## What Should I Expect? Both morning and afternoon sessions are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You'll have access to workspace, materials, and support from qualified art therapists. The atmosphere is supportive and non-judgmental. Sessions are guided by professional art therapists who are also practising artists. The focus is on your therapeutic process, not artistic achievement.

Location

82 London Road, Croydon, CR0 2TB

Get directions

Opening hours

Weekly

Cost

Low cost

What does Studio Upstairs (Art Therapy) help with?

art-therapyart

Information reviewed by Luke Row, Psychodynamic Therapist — March 2026

What is Studio Upstairs?

Studio Upstairs is an arts and health charity providing therapeutic art studio space for adults (18+) experiencing mental health or emotional difficulties. Rather than traditional art classes, Studio Upstairs offers a creative community where members access workspace, artistic resources, and support from qualified art therapists who are also practising artists. The Croydon studio is located at CVA Resource Centre on London Road, operating on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The studio functions as a safe social space where members can experience a sense of belonging while making artwork. The creative environment allows for expression and exploration that might be difficult to access through talking alone.

Who Can Use Studio Upstairs?

The service is for adults (18+) experiencing mental health or emotional difficulties. You don't need any artistic experience - the focus is on the therapeutic process rather than producing polished work. Members can explore drawing, painting, sculpture and other media. The studio welcomes people with various mental health conditions and emotional challenges.

How Do I Access Studio Upstairs?

Costs are typically funded through NHS Care Plans or Adult Social Care (approximately £98 per session), or through Personal Independence Payment support (£70-80 per session). Speak with your GP, care coordinator, or key worker about whether you might be eligible for funding. You can also contact Studio Upstairs directly on 020 8616 5440 to discuss your options. Recent City Bridge Foundation funding has expanded access to art therapy groups.

What Should I Expect?

Both morning and afternoon sessions are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You'll have access to workspace, materials, and support from qualified art therapists. The atmosphere is supportive and non-judgmental. Sessions are guided by professional art therapists who are also practising artists. The focus is on your therapeutic process, not artistic achievement.