David Barton
Nominee Profile
Location: Essex
David Barton BCAa FRSA is the founder of Get Started Art, a charity transforming lives through creativity, using arts and crafts to support mental health and bring people together across generations.
During COVID, David became increasingly aware of the impact isolation was having on people’s mental health, particularly how it was affecting both young and older generations in very different ways. At the same time, following a serious financial loss within his business, he made a conscious decision to focus on helping others rather than what had gone wrong.
David’s passion for mental health support is also deeply personal. Through supporting a close family member with additional needs and mental health challenges, he saw first hand how difficult it can be for families to access simple, effective emotional support. He recognised that creativity could provide a powerful outlet, helping people express emotions, reduce anxiety, build confidence and reconnect with others in a way that feels safe, inclusive and accessible.
With very limited resources and the last of his savings, David bought arts and crafts materials and began donating them to hospitals, care homes, schools and community groups. There was no long term plan, just a belief that something simple could help people feel calmer, more connected and less alone. That decision became Get Started Art.
Driven by the belief that mental health affects everyone, regardless of age or circumstance, David has created simple, accessible ways for people to express themselves, connect with others and feel supported.
Through Get Started Art, he has pioneered a multi generational approach where creativity becomes a universal language, bringing together children, young people and older individuals to reduce isolation, build confidence and strengthen communities.
To date, David has led the donation of almost two million arts and crafts resources, reaching communities across Essex, throughout the United Kingdom and internationally. This includes hundreds of thousands of resources delivered directly into NHS children’s wards, cancer respite homes, hospices and dementia wards nationwide, providing comfort to seriously ill children, emotional support for families, and meaningful engagement for those living with dementia.
All resources are provided completely free of charge, removing financial barriers and ensuring support is accessible to those who need it most.
His impact spans every generation. Through national campaigns aligned with Children’s Mental Health Week, he has empowered young people to explore emotions, build resilience and express themselves creatively, including inclusive resources designed for neurodivergent children.
Alongside this, his work supports older generations, particularly those living with dementia. In collaboration with the Alzheimer's Society, his resources are used in care settings to encourage engagement, unlock memories and create moments of joy and connection.
By focusing on shared creative experiences, David actively challenges age related stereotypes, proving that connection between generations can improve mental health, reduce loneliness and build stronger, more compassionate communities.
David’s commitment to service has earned him widespread civic and national recognition. He is a recipient of multiple Pride of Essex commendations, recognising his deep-rooted impact within his home county. This local dedication is matched by high-level civic honours, including the Freedom of the City of London, alongside national recognition such as the British Citizen Award (BCAa) for services to the community and Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA). He has also been honoured with multiple High Sheriff’s Certificates and Mayoral Awards, reflecting his trusted leadership and sustained contribution across all levels of society.
David is not simply running a charity, he is reshaping how communities approach wellbeing, proving that creativity can be a lifeline for a child in hospital, a young person struggling with anxiety, or someone living with dementia.
His journey shows that meaningful change does not always begin with significant resources or a perfect plan, sometimes it starts with one simple decision to help others.
During COVID, David became increasingly aware of the impact isolation was having on people’s mental health, particularly how it was affecting both young and older generations in very different ways. At the same time, following a serious financial loss within his business, he made a conscious decision to focus on helping others rather than what had gone wrong.
David’s passion for mental health support is also deeply personal. Through supporting a close family member with additional needs and mental health challenges, he saw first hand how difficult it can be for families to access simple, effective emotional support. He recognised that creativity could provide a powerful outlet, helping people express emotions, reduce anxiety, build confidence and reconnect with others in a way that feels safe, inclusive and accessible.
With very limited resources and the last of his savings, David bought arts and crafts materials and began donating them to hospitals, care homes, schools and community groups. There was no long term plan, just a belief that something simple could help people feel calmer, more connected and less alone. That decision became Get Started Art.
Driven by the belief that mental health affects everyone, regardless of age or circumstance, David has created simple, accessible ways for people to express themselves, connect with others and feel supported.
Through Get Started Art, he has pioneered a multi generational approach where creativity becomes a universal language, bringing together children, young people and older individuals to reduce isolation, build confidence and strengthen communities.
To date, David has led the donation of almost two million arts and crafts resources, reaching communities across Essex, throughout the United Kingdom and internationally. This includes hundreds of thousands of resources delivered directly into NHS children’s wards, cancer respite homes, hospices and dementia wards nationwide, providing comfort to seriously ill children, emotional support for families, and meaningful engagement for those living with dementia.
All resources are provided completely free of charge, removing financial barriers and ensuring support is accessible to those who need it most.
His impact spans every generation. Through national campaigns aligned with Children’s Mental Health Week, he has empowered young people to explore emotions, build resilience and express themselves creatively, including inclusive resources designed for neurodivergent children.
Alongside this, his work supports older generations, particularly those living with dementia. In collaboration with the Alzheimer's Society, his resources are used in care settings to encourage engagement, unlock memories and create moments of joy and connection.
By focusing on shared creative experiences, David actively challenges age related stereotypes, proving that connection between generations can improve mental health, reduce loneliness and build stronger, more compassionate communities.
David’s commitment to service has earned him widespread civic and national recognition. He is a recipient of multiple Pride of Essex commendations, recognising his deep-rooted impact within his home county. This local dedication is matched by high-level civic honours, including the Freedom of the City of London, alongside national recognition such as the British Citizen Award (BCAa) for services to the community and Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA). He has also been honoured with multiple High Sheriff’s Certificates and Mayoral Awards, reflecting his trusted leadership and sustained contribution across all levels of society.
David is not simply running a charity, he is reshaping how communities approach wellbeing, proving that creativity can be a lifeline for a child in hospital, a young person struggling with anxiety, or someone living with dementia.
His journey shows that meaningful change does not always begin with significant resources or a perfect plan, sometimes it starts with one simple decision to help others.