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Art has the power to heal

The only UK charity bringing art therapy to cancer patients

CBMT Logo

Our Mission

CBMT is the only charity in the UK dedicated to art therapy in cancer care. Since 1992, we've helped thousands of cancer patients find comfort, dignity, and expression through the healing power of art. Founded in memory of Corinne Burton, a talented artist who found solace in painting during her own cancer journey.

6,500+

art therapy sessions delivered since 1992

30+

art therapists trained through our scholarships

4

NHS hospitals now working with CBMT

492

sessions delivered in 2025 alone

Why Art Therapy Matters

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, affecting not only the body but also a person's emotional wellbeing. Many patients struggle to put their fears into words. Art therapy offers a gentle, non-verbal way to express distress, regain a sense of control, and feel heard.

420,000

people diagnosed with cancer each year in the UK

4x

more likely to experience depression than the general population

Karen, a CBMT art therapy patient
Patient Story

Karen's Story

"Every three months feels like a sentence hanging over you. You never really get away from it. But this gives me a sense that I do have some control — or at least insight — into how it's affecting me emotionally."

After being diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago, Karen found a rare space through art therapy at Whipps Cross Hospital where she could begin to process emotions she had long pushed aside.

Read more stories →

Supported By

We're grateful to these organisations for their generous funding and support

Garfield Weston Foundation
City Bridge Foundation
National Lottery Community Fund
Albert Hunt Trust
Hospital Saturday Fund
The Big Give
St James's Place Charitable Foundation
Goldsmiths, University of London

Our Hospital Partners

We deliver art therapy programmes in NHS hospitals across the UK

St Bartholomew's Hospital Whipps Cross Hospital Royal London Hospital Homerton Hospital North East London NHS Trust

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