NEXUS works across the two sites of the Ancora House School at Countess of Chester Hospital and Castle Park, Frodsham, working with the young people to develop creative movement opportunities to enhance their wellbeing and education.
From September 2025, we will be continuing to deliver on a 121 basis at this site.
“There were significant changes in some students in the sense that they fully engaged in activities... Overall, there was clear evidence of students showing self confidence in this non-threatening environment.” - Ancora House School Site Staff Member
‘I am really happy – I did nothing wrong. I normally have very negative self talk. Now I know its ok to go wrong. I remembered the most important part of the dance! I had a lot of anxiety around the sessions but what I will take from the session is confidence and knowing that dance is something that I love. I didn’t think I can do it but I can.’ - Participant
I like how I can be free in the sessions and will take that with me and I will leave my anxiety behind.’ Participant
Ancora House School is primarily a medical pupil referral provision based on two sites in Cheshire West and Chester. The hospital site is based at Ancora House, an adolescent mental health inpatient unit, on the Countess of Chester Health Park, and provides education for inpatients at the unit.
In Year One, the Ancora Dance NEXUS programme worked with young people onsite to create an open invitation for creativity with a focus on poetry and movement. The programme brought together dance artist, Josie Hepplewhite and Spoken Word Artist, Flick Barry to deliver a series of workshops in the unit. Rafael Braga also delivered a series of workshops in Capoeria supported by Angela Fessi.
From September 2025, we will be continuing to develop the work at this site to open more creative opportunties.
Ancora House School’s community site is based at Castle Park House, Castle Park, Frodsham. It is commissioned to provide education for young people, who for a range of reasons, are currently unable to access their home school.
In Year One, The NEXUS programme delivered a series of 1 to 1 sessions for young people who have had a range a previous dance experiences. These sessions focussed on the young people have a creative outlet, allowing their voices to be heard and develop new skills.
Working with dance artist Rachel Gittins, the young people found new ways to express themselves which benefitted both their mental and physical health.
From September 2025, we will be continuing to deliver on a 1 to 1 basis at this site.