David Barton BCAa FRSA
Nominee Profile
Location: Essex
David Barton BCAa FRSA is the founder of Get Started Art, a charity using creativity to support mental health and bring people together across generations.
Built on the belief that mental health affects everyone, regardless of age, his work focuses on creating simple, accessible ways for people to express themselves, connect with others and feel supported.
Through Get Started Art, David has developed a multi-generational approach using arts and crafts as a universal language for expression and understanding. His work brings together children, young people and older individuals, helping to reduce isolation and strengthen communities.
To date, he has led the donation of almost two million arts and crafts resources, supporting mental health and wellbeing across Essex, throughout the United Kingdom and internationally, all provided completely free of charge, removing financial barriers and ensuring support is accessible to all.
His impact spans all ages. Through national campaigns aligned with Children’s Mental Health Week, he has delivered tools to help young people explore emotions and build resilience, including inclusive resources for neurodivergent children.
Alongside this, his work supports older generations, particularly those living with dementia. In collaboration with Alzheimer’s Society, his resources are used in care settings to encourage engagement, stimulate memory and create moments of connection.
By focusing on shared creative experiences, David actively breaks down age barriers, demonstrating how simple, accessible ideas can improve mental health and strengthen communities.
His work has received national and civic recognition, including the British Citizen Award (BCAa) and fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), alongside multiple High Sheriff’s Certificates, Mayoral Awards and Pride of Essex commendations.
Built on the belief that mental health affects everyone, regardless of age, his work focuses on creating simple, accessible ways for people to express themselves, connect with others and feel supported.
Through Get Started Art, David has developed a multi-generational approach using arts and crafts as a universal language for expression and understanding. His work brings together children, young people and older individuals, helping to reduce isolation and strengthen communities.
To date, he has led the donation of almost two million arts and crafts resources, supporting mental health and wellbeing across Essex, throughout the United Kingdom and internationally, all provided completely free of charge, removing financial barriers and ensuring support is accessible to all.
His impact spans all ages. Through national campaigns aligned with Children’s Mental Health Week, he has delivered tools to help young people explore emotions and build resilience, including inclusive resources for neurodivergent children.
Alongside this, his work supports older generations, particularly those living with dementia. In collaboration with Alzheimer’s Society, his resources are used in care settings to encourage engagement, stimulate memory and create moments of connection.
By focusing on shared creative experiences, David actively breaks down age barriers, demonstrating how simple, accessible ideas can improve mental health and strengthen communities.
His work has received national and civic recognition, including the British Citizen Award (BCAa) and fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), alongside multiple High Sheriff’s Certificates, Mayoral Awards and Pride of Essex commendations.