House of Stars Launchpad

A 6-month creative health programme for 16–25-year-olds in Dartford using manga storytelling to improve mental wellbeing and build practical employability skills for the creative sector

£7,308
Raised of £10,122

26
Backers

100
days left

72%

Back this project

Keep what you raise - this project will receive all pledges made by 30 Sep 2026. Any pledges made by our funding partners will only be released if the project reaches its target by this date.

Costs

Social Media & Project Communication £1,620
Creative materials £1,200
Admin and coordination £944
Artist Lead fee for 12 creative health sessions, including delivery and preparation £900
Venue hire £630
Monthly market space x 6 months (3 market stalls) £630
Employer's Liability Insurance £550
Workshop assistant fees (2 assistants across 24 sessions) £540
Contingency £500
Promotion and printed listing £500
Other + £1,320

Venue Hire - Acacia sports hall £420

Promotion £400

Marketing and printing materials £350

Participant Refreshments £150
Target: (inc. fees) £10,122

http://www.house-of-stars.co.uk

About House of Stars

House of Stars is a creative hub dedicated to storytelling through manga, comics, animation, and interactive arts, with a focus on creative health and well-being. We believe that art is a powerful tool for self-expression, mental health, and social connection, especially for young people facing stress, anxiety, or isolation.

Our mission is to make creativity accessible to all, offering a safe space for artistic development, confidence-building, and community engagement. We run workshops, exhibitions, and public events, fostering artistic talent and well-being.

Our Achievements So Far

We have successfully delivered projects that engage hundreds of young people and emerging artists across Kent and Medway, including:

New Chronicles of Mudfog (2023-2025): A historical storytelling and game design project, bringing Chatham’s history to life through a board game and AR experience.
AniManga Lab: A weekly anime and manga club helping young artists develop skills, connect with peers, and improve mental well-being.
House of Stars MiniCon (2023): An anime and manga convention, providing young artists a platform to showcase and sell their work.
Fantasy Festival at Fort Amherst (2024): A historical fantasy and storytelling event, featuring creative exhibitions and interactive experiences.
Creative Health Workshops: Supporting mental well-being through art, helping young people express themselves and develop resilience.

Why We Are Running This Campaign

We are launching this Anime & Manga Club in Dartford to offer free creative workshops that support mental well-being through art and storytelling. Many young people lack access to safe creative spaces, and this project will help them develop artistic skills, confidence, and emotional resilience.

By combining traditional and digital drawing techniques with guided discussions and interactive activities, we will create a space where young people can explore creativity, connect with others, and experience the mental health benefits of artistic expression.

We are excited to bring this opportunity to Dartford, making art, storytelling, and creative well-being accessible to all.

Project Owner: House Of Stars The Project Owner takes legal responsibility for receiving and spending the funds raised and ensuring the project is delivered.