Workshops | Healing Panels: Co-create Comics as a Self-care Approach

This hands-on workshop invites participants to explore personal experiences of mental health through creating simple, metaphor-based comics. The aim is to use visual storytelling as a gentle and imaginative way to externalise feelings, reflect on emotional experiences, and gain new perspectives on self-understanding.

Open to all, the workshops offer a supportive space for people who may be navigating mental health challenges, as well as anyone interested in using drawing and storytelling to reflect on personal experience. Led by artist-researcher Jiahao Ji with art therapist Kavisha Dharia (Art Psychotherapist HCPC) and invited comic artists, each session will guide participants in creating their own short visual narratives.

All materials are provided, and no previous drawing experience is needed. Just come as you are.

Booking essential. We recommend booking two sessions if you can, as this will give you more time to develop your comic and experience the full creative process. You are also very welcome to attend just one session.

This workshop is part of , an exhibition-workshop programme taking place from 12–22 June 2026 at Lewisham Arthouse.

The wider project explores how comics, art therapy and visual metaphor can support self-care, reflection and emotional expression. It presents single-panel comics co-created by artist-researcher Jiahao Ji with people who have lived experience of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD and autism, developed through previous workshops with Mind in Kingston.

This programme is generously supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Lewisham Arthouse, 140 Lewisham Way, London, United Kingdom

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