We are a team of experienced arts therapists, psychotherapists and practitioners based in Dorset. We specialise in the therapeutic disciplines of art, music, dance, movement and drama with children, young people and families.
Koru offers a safe, supportive and rigorous creative approach for children, young people and families with mild or complex needs.
We have a proven track record with our specifically trained staff. We offer a flexible, rapid referral service for the following:
Child trauma
Emotional abuse and neglect
Psychological trauma
Emotional and behavioural difficulties (youth and adult)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Victims of crime
Physical abuse
Sexual abuse
Chronic and complex trauma
Domestic violence
Attachment trauma
Bereavement
Self harm
Depression
Anxiety
Fear & loss
Eating disorders
Sexual identity
Interactional patterns and dynamics within families
Dissociation and dissociative disorders
The Koru Project’s ethos and methodology is validated by our ongoing partnership with and referrals from:
- Dorset County Council,
- Dorset Family Matters (DFM),
- Pupil Premium for Looked After Children,
- The Adoption Support Fund
along with numerous other educational establishments.
Where we work
We work flexibly across Dorset, Poole, and Bournemouth areas either in schools or other locations such as:
- Community Learning Resource Centre in Wimborne.
- Safewise Community Fire Station in Weymouth.
- Purbeck Youth and Community Foundation in Wareham
- Our base location at Longmead Farm between Blandford Forum and Dorchester.
Details of location, time and travel for sessions, are organised on an individual basis for each referral.
Simon Burt
The Koru training in our school has really had an impact on helping staff respond supportively to children and young people with complex needs. Staff now have a range of strategies to help our pupils regulate their emotions more appropriately and understand pupils with complex attachment disorders. Thank you Koru for your bespoke training and…
Lauren Clarke
“Andrea is a fantastic teacher and advocate. I was privileged to have been a youngster whose life she made an impression upon. Whether it be a confidante or just a release. She showed me how to be patient and how to ‘cope’ with my never ending problems. If I got the chance to promote KORU…
Dan Baker
“This approach has had transformational positive effects on young people where other interventions hadn’t worked. A wonderful team who are dedicated to supporting some of the most vulnerable young people.”
The Koru (fern) is a symbol from Maori Culture. The symbol embodies the qualities that are the essence of the aims of the project: Change, wholeness and renewal.
Each frond contains within its tightly curled spiral, the design of the fully mature leaf.
The work of The Koru Project, seeks to encourage each person to grow and realise the fullness of their potential.