There’s a lot of talk about supporting SEND children and neurodivergent individuals, but most of it stays as talk. The Hero Within programme was about actually doing something real with it.
This programme comes from what I see constantly: young people being measured against systems that don’t reflect how they think or from a neurotypical perspective. That has an impact on confidence, identity, and how they see themselves. So instead of trying to “fit” them into something, this project flipped that. It gave them space to build something from who they already are.
Each of the boys created their own superhero. Their ideas, their traits, their identity – and I worked with them to bring that into a final professional piece. It’s a proper collaboration. Not me leading and them following. Open communication, them leading with their own ideas, drawings, colouring, and me translating that into a final piece of artwork.
And this is where it got personal for me. One of the boys chose the alias name for his superhero as “Mini Dez.” That really moved me, because that’s not just a name, it’s a reflection of how he’s connected with the sessions and what he’s taken from them. You don’t get that unless something really impactful is happening.
I know exactly how tough school can be from my own experience. The pressure to mask and fit in, to constantly translate or hide your true self just to get through – that doesn’t stop later in life, it stays with you. It shapes how you see yourself and moulds your reality. That’s why this project mattered. Because if you can give even a small shift at that stage and show them that being their authentic self is not something to hide, then you’re changing something early that usually gets ignored.
Over the weeks, the shift was clear. More engagement, confidence, and pride in what they were creating. That’s been fed back by both the school and the parents – and you could see it for yourself without needing it explaining.
Thursday, 26th March was the presentation.
We had the Mayor of Rochdale Borough Council there, Chantelle representing Colliers (who are hosting the exhibition at Piccadilly Place in Manchester from April 30th for three weeks), all of the boys’ families, and Eklectics filming for the documentary.
Just as we were setting up and the boys came in, one of them ran over and gave me a badge he’d made especially. This was such a nice surprise and shows how thoughtful and compassionate they are.
Mrs Mitchell opened things up, then we moved to the artwork. Each piece was covered – the boys hadn’t seen the finished versions yet. They were asked to stand next to their covered art as I walked along with the Mayor, introduced each of them, and they were presented with their certificates, backed by Picsart, the school, and signed by me.
You could see straight away how proud they were.
Once the artwork was revealed and the round of applause had finished, the families all took a group photo of the boys and me. The boys then got a chance to explain their superheroes, their names, what they mean, and where the ideas came from. That part matters. Being able to explain themselves in their own way to their families and the guests.
We then moved back into the session room. We showed some short promo videos I had created and also an AI avatar of myself explaining the purpose of the project (created by Picsart to support me in this project), and a small animated clip created by Pinc College students from their involvement in the project.
It gave everyone a clear picture of what’s been happening behind the scenes, and the boys were fully in that moment, owning it.
There was also a great touch from one of the parents who made brownies with the Loveartpix and Crossgates logos on them. Simple, but it brought everything together – and everyone absolutely loved them.
The response from the room was so positive. Parents, school, guests – all genuinely impressed with both the artwork and what the project has done for the boys.
I personally struggle with any type of event like this, but it was well worth it. It was very clear to see the confidence in the boys, the way they carried themselves, that bit more presence, and that was what this was all about.
That’s the result.
To use art in a way that actually shifts how someone sees themselves, that’s what this is about. Not just creating something that looks good, but something that has a real impact.
This is a project I’m super proud of because of what it’s achieved – the impact has been tangible.
Thank you to Mrs Mitchell and Crossgates for trusting me and my vision and supporting this unique collaboration. To Picart for always backing my projects and endorsing the certificates. Thank you to the Mayor for taking the time to come and support the presentation and make it a lasting memory for the boys. Thank you to Chantelle and Colliers for backing the exhibition at Piccadilly Place and AirePark. Thank you to Eklectics for capturing it, and to Pinc College and their students for adding to the project.
And most importantly, thank you to the boys.
I hope this sticks with you. Not just as something you did, but as something that showed you exactly what you’re capable of.
That’s what The Hero Within is.
Awww this is just AMAZING. Such a beautiful thing for the boys to be apart of. Each one was so proud of their work. The collaboration has been such an awesome experience for all the boys. It has touched many hearts. The highlight of our experience was to see my Son actually wanting to go to school and engage because of his connection with Dez has been so nice to see after all his struggles with attending school. He has loved seeing the creativity of his ideas come together piece by piece and is so made up with his work, even hung his certificate on his wall the moment we got home after the exhibition. They will all miss you Dez I’m sure. Thank you for all your commitment to this project and caring so much about the children involved. ❤️
This honestly hit me. You can feel how real this is, not just another “nice idea” but something that’s actually made a difference where it matters. The way you’ve described the boys finding confidence in who they already are, instead of being pushed to fit a mould, is powerful.
“Mini Dez” says everything about the impact you’ve had, that kind of connection doesn’t happen by accident. It shows trust, respect, and that they felt seen.
You should be seriously proud of this. Not just the artwork, but what you’ve shifted in those boys. That kind of work stays with them far beyond the project. It’s the sort of thing people talk about doing, but you’ve actually done it.
The work Dez has done here is truly amazing. I love seeing the work he does in the community. It is wonderful to see young people tapping into their creativity whilst also exploring their neurodiversity. Keep shining ands
Spreading your knowledge and awareness. You truly are impacting so many people!
Well done Loveartpix, what a fantastic achievement- giving young people a way to really express themselves freely in such a positive way!
Providing young people, who can often struggle to be understood, a way to shine the light on their strengths is such an empowering gift.
Using the collaborative artistic process to provide a safe space where the young people could express thoughts, emotions, and ideas they may otherwise have not been able to, is clearly reflected in the powerful final pieces they produced.
I hope this encourages more schools to engage with this project.
This is absolutely amazing! It reminds me so much of when my Lenny did his collaboration with LoveArtPics. I know these boys must be feeling incredibly proud and full of confidence.
With so many education providers focusing mainly on academic results, giving children the opportunity to thrive in other ways is truly special. Well done to Cross Gates Primary—and of course, well done to you, Dez, for always striving to help children with SEN shine.
I really hope other education providers see this and follow suit.
This was unbelievable—it has made such a positive difference in Hudson’s school life. He’s become much more confident in himself, which has been amazing to see. He really enjoyed working on this project as well.
The change in him from working with Dez has been incredible. Thank you so much for everything.
An amazing project which has really given the boys a chance to portray themselves as who they authentically are and own their identity with pride! So important too that this partnership empowered them to lead, and to create collaboratively on their own terms. Autonomy and authenticity are key! Congratulations to all involved!
What a wonderful thing to do Dez. It’s clear that you’ve truly made a difference to the boys and those around them. The phrase “That part matters. Being able to explain themselves in their own way to their families and the guests.” really stood out to me – I think that’s the core of what you enable. Bravo!
This is such an incredible project, seeing the school boys faces lit up and so proud of themselves is absolutely amazing, this shows what happens when children are seen and heard, they feel loved and create magical work! Now its time to get this project rolled out across the country and help all children going forward! So proud to know you Dez, this is magical!!
Such an amazing use of lived experience and reframing to make changes in the now .
So proud of everything you are doing Dez, inspiring
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Reading this blog brought me to tears! Having worked with neurodivergent children, I fully appreciate and admire Dez’s commitment to inspire and advocate for kids. By giving kids and people of all ages ” a canvas” like art, they get the opportunity to express themselves and communicate to us what they feel, love, know, and are capable of. Through this project, we see how the boys felt empowered, creative, and seen. Everyone deserves to feel like a hero!
A brilliant idea and very imaginative and supportive of young boys authentic selves.
Being authentic is difficult to do, through the creative images the boys and Dez created this will stay with them for many years to come, they will reflect on the images that have been created that are a part of themselves and can be called upon in times of difficulty, remembering a time when they truly embraced themselves for who they are. Creativity stays with us throughout our whole lives.
The kind of movement we all need for the incredible young people who will shape our future of neurodiversity. I applaud the school, Dez and these little stars for pulling together and creating what will be a ripple effect of self esteem, expression and kindness. You are all heroes. 💫
Love the impact your work is having on the wider community dez…. especially providing such young children with an outlet to express themselves so freely and authentically within a safe environment.
Particularly impactful at this point as this is usually the time children may start to conceal who they truly are or how they truly feel in order to fit in!
This has really made a hugh impact on those boys, you really are a gift to the neurodivergent community as well as the charity sector where you have donated and helped raise funds for others. Your future is bright and so are the kids who are on the receiving end of the impact your making so proud of you 💫
It’s phenomenal to see the positive impact you’re having on these lads, and reading the glowing feedback you’ve had in response to your efforts is really something. It goes to show how effective a compassionate, understanding and bespoke approach to education can be. I can’t wait to see what happens as this project grows further. Congrats Dez.
Wow such a beautiful amazing experience for the boys and all involved. You must be so proud Dez, a really kind and compassionate project. The artwork is so unique and awesome. Well done to all Involved especially you Dez 💜🫶💜✨
What a fantastic initiative! The self-belief, creativity and confidence that you’ve fostered in the children who were lucky enough to take part will be invaluable to them as they navigate through the education system and teenage years.
If only things like this were available in every primary school!
Huge congratulations Dez, you’re an amazing advocate for neurodiversity, helping these young kids to celebrating how different brains work. opening a door to a world that is objectively more creative, innovative, and authentic, creating a beautiful space for them to be unapologetically themselves, keep up the amazing work you do.
This is just such fantastic, inspiring and important work!
I’m consistently staggered at how much Loveartpix is contributing to these communities, his efforts are so incredibly impressive. The process is obviously so impactful in such a positive way to the boys involved in this project and what they’re creating will inspire them to ever greater things.
Well done Dez, the boys, and Crossgates Primary school for recognising the opportunity and value of this to make a real difference. 👏
The way you’ve created space for these boys to express themselves and see their own value is amazing. The impact you’ve made goes far beyond the art – you’ve given them confidence, pride, and a sense of who they truly are. Incredible work!
This is amazing work Dez. You can really see how much thought, care, and genuine impact went into the whole project. The way the boys grew in confidence and really owned their ideas says everything. It’s rare to see something that actually supports neurodivergent kids in a way that fits them, not the other way around.
Such a brilliant tailored project!
Well done, Dez, and well done to everyone who helped make this happen. Great work all round.
What a truly amazing project that has surpassed everyone’s expectations brought to life by LoveArtpix in your inimitable talented style showing care , consideration, foresight and true collaboration. The photos show the colour and energy of the day , you can feel it in every smile. Many Congratulations to all. Dez, the young people have found their hero within due to your fresh ideas and working to form partnerships for the benefit of neurodivergent young people .
Such a positive and motivating project for these amazing young heroes. How beautiful, to make them all feel so good about themselves and to celebrate their own individual skills. Amazing uplifting work by Dez and all involved. I hope this gets rolled out in many more schools in the future.
Amazing project – I’m looking forward to seeing this work expanded in more schools. Supporting self-identity development in autistic children is crucial for their growth.
I’d also like to commend Crossgates Primary School for its outstanding commitment to the wellbeing of SEND students.
Rossella Sorte (Manchester Metropolitan University)