Ricky Martin finds a creative way to fundraise for Children's Mental Health Week

Artist Ricky has been painting all week to raise funds and awareness for Place2Be. Spotlighting the charity’s Children’s Mental Health Week campaign, Ricky has called upon his fans and followers to send him their suggestions of what to paint.

One parent told us: “This is such good viewing. It’s one of very few things that gets the children off their video games, as we enjoy watching together and seeing what Ricky is painting next.” And lots of young fans have been letting Ricky know how much they love watching him paint!

Place2Be CEO, Catherine Roche says: “The encouragement Ricky has shown Place2Be over the years has been so uplifting. Ricky has such natural warmth and empathy and through his work, he creates connections with children and adults alike.”

This is the fourth time Ricky has run an art auction in aid of Place2Be. He has raised over £4,000 so far, to help fund Place2Be support in hundreds of schools, as part of a ‘whole-school’ approach to mental health.

Visit Ricky’s eBay store to see all his unique creations, and - if you’re lucky - place that winning bid!

Ricky's other support for Children's Mental Health Week

In addition to his art auction, Ricky is also presenting this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week Art Room activity - which has been downloaded almost 10,000 times. Speaking on this “Know Yourself, Grow Yourself” themed art project Ricky says: “The Place2Be Art Room is where I feel really at home. Art is an accessible tool that can break through boundaries, and I really enjoy helping children to express and understand their feelings through creativity.” 

Learn more about Ricky

Ricky is an Animator, Presenter, and Director, with 20 years of industry experience working with the likes of Aardman Animations (Shaun the Sheep, Wallace and Gromit) and CBBC - where he fronted the BAFTA and RTS nominated Art Sitcom series 'Art Ninja'.

Ricky became a Place2Be Ambassador in October 2022.