KidsXpress
Transforming the lives of children impacted by emotional trauma through innovative expressive therapy programs.
A psychologically traumatising experience can have a considerably adverse impact on a child’s developing brain and if unresolved, can develop into serious personal challenges in their adult life. KidsXpress supports families, schools and communities to better manage and minimise the impact of childhood trauma through early intervention.
2019 Pitch
Funds raised: $86,450
KidsXpress’ latest pitch was at TFN Sydney in September 2019, raising funds for their new Dyad Program, aimed at younger children, aged zero to five. This will enable younger siblings (together with parents/carers) of children who are already working with KidsXpress to also experience the therapeutic benefits of its programs and deepen the impact on families overall.
The Impact…
KidsExpress has delivered dyad therapy to 11 families so far and is on track to support a further 29 families by June 2021.
The organisation pitched for funding to support 18 families, however the incredible result on the night meant that the final funds have been allocated to support 40 families – 55% more than originally planned. This has allowed them to exceed their programs goals and recruit and train more therapists.
Within 48 hours of going into COVID-19 lockdown, therapists quickly pivoted and started delivering therapy via an encrypted digital platform. Children and their caregivers reported a seamless transition to this new model. Once the restrictions were lifted in late May, therapists returned to face-to-face delivery.
Read their Impact Report
2017 Pitch
Funds raised: $39,013
After pitching at TFN Sydney in June 2017, KidsXpress raised $39,013 to go towards for their 10-week therapy programs that use music, art, drama, dance and play as therapy to immerse children’s senses, imaginations and entire bodies into the communication of difficult emotions or experiences.
The Impact...
In Australia, 1 in 7 children are exposed to trauma relating to neglect, abuse, violence or significant other trauma. For too many of these kids foster homes, police visits, drug abuse and domestic violence is common. Trauma can make it hard to trust adults and creates anxiety, this can make schooling hard and thriving at school even harder. The risk of disengaging at school is immense and the consequences significant.
KidsXpress has been doing amazing work with these children in their schools for over 10 years. Their therapeutic programs bring music, dance, play and art therapy into the schools and work intensively with these vulnerable children. Thanks to the generous support of the TFN community, Margo has been able to grow KidsXpress and reach 15 more vulnerable children so they can participate in the 10-week therapy program. By utilising best therapeutic practice and expressive art-therapy, the result isn’t just ‘neuro-scientific’ but also in their hearts and their belief in themselves. Below are some of the art works created by these children during the sessions.
“After reporting that they hadn’t seen Amy smile for months, Amy began to express joy both during the KidsXpress sessions and in her classroom and the playground. This was often done through initiating shared play and spontaneous dancing” - Maria Rallis, KidsXpress
Read their Impact Report
Impact stories from the field
Recently TFN was able to visit KidsXpress at their new office in Macquarie Park. This marks a time of growth for the organisation, thanks to the amazing work they have been doing in expressive therapy for children impacted by trauma.
“KidsXpress allows the kids to have one foot in reality and one foot in fantasy to explore their feelings in a safe way” - Kristin, Therapist
“We are with these kids on a journey with them for one step, you don’t know what is before or after. It’s a privilege to be able to walk with them for just the one step”
- Laura, Therapist
“It’s incredibly powerful. To have the power of 3 therapists working together is incredibly unique. It’s rare to be able combine music therapy with art. Those moments with the kids are without words” - Siobhan, Therapist
Learn more about KidsXpress.
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