About Us

Expanding horizons in the arts

Over two and a half years of innovation, creativity and passion, with moral support and not much money from agencies, a genuinely recovery-focused method has grown, people from all backgrounds with all sorts of abilities learning together and creating art work of real value. This is a great project with a genuinely exciting future.”

John Clare
Director of Mental Health Services, York

Converge is a partnership developed by York St John University and the region’s mental health service providers; bringing together high quality arts educational opportunities for mental health service users and work-based experiences for university students.

A chance to engage together as artists and students,
Converge is not about what you can’t do, it’s about what you can.”

Gemma Alldred
Converge Project Lead

Realising the potential of York St John University to provide arts educational opportunities to those using local NHS and non-statutory mental health services, we work with adults aged 18 years and over. Taught by undergraduate and postgraduate students and staff, with a solid track record of delivering courses to people with mental health problems, all our activities are underpinned with the necessary support. Offering a way in, or indeed back, to education for service users and an opportunity for full-time students to gain valuable work experience and raise their game in an increasingly competitive employment market.

Our work provides a rich meeting of people who use mental health services, university students and staff. With something very special to offer the real world of work, we want people to excel and achieve the highest possible standards.”

Nick Rowe
Senior Lecturer York St John University

If our courses and work is something that interests you, please get in touch.