The idea
HoS Launchpad is a 6-month creative health outreach programme for young adults aged 16–25 in Dartford. It uses visual storytelling, character design as structured tools to improve mental wellbeing, confidence and social connection.
Across two 12-week strands, participants develop visual storytelling, character design and illustration skills while learning how to turn ideas into products and present their work publicly. The programme supports mental wellbeing through structured creativity, peer support and real responsibility, in partnership with local referral organisations.
Launchpad connects creative development directly to enterprise. Participants will design merchandise, build small portfolios, and have real opportunities to showcase and sell their work through two live community market opportunities with partners including Priory Shopping Centre and Orchard Theatre.
This strand creates a practical, supported bridge between creativity, confidence and employability.
What we'll deliver
- Deliver 24 structured creative health sessions (12 in Dartford, 12 in Gravesham) for young adults aged 16–25.
- Support up to 30 young adults to develop a project (illustration, character design, short comic or visual concept).
- Provide guided portfolio development and presentation sessions focused on creative industry pathways.
- Offer paid freelance opportunities for young assistants and creative facilitators within the programme.
- Deliver at least one event in each district where participants present their work to partners and the local community.
- Provide participants with the opportunity to produce and sell their own creative merchandise through a community market
- Deliver at least one market opportunity where participants can test, showcase and sell their work in a real setting.
Why it's a great idea
House of Stars Launchpad supports young adults aged 16–25 to improve their mental wellbeing through structured visual creative practice. The programme offers a consistent, supportive environment where participants develop original illustration projects while building confidence, focus and social connection.
Creative health is embedded in the process: participants explore identity through character design and world building, work towards tangible outcomes and experience a sense of achievement and progression.
Alongside wellbeing benefits, the programme introduces practical creative industry skills such as developing visual concepts, presenting work and understanding how creative ideas can evolve into products. This builds motivation, resilience and clearer direction for young adults seeking pathways into the creative sector.
Steps to get it done
- Project confirmation and partnership coordination
- Programme preparation and outreach
- Delivery of 12x2 creative sessions
- Public sharing and community showcase
- Evaluation and reporting
