GIVING THE GIFT OF CREATIVITY: SUPPORTING ADULT CARERS AND ISOLATED OLDER ADULTS This CHRISTMAS

For many people, Christmas is a time of connection, joy and celebration. But for adult carers and isolated older people, the festive season can be a stark reminder of the challenges they face every day. 

At Create, we believe in the power of the creative arts to build confidence, ease isolation and provide moments of light in difficult times. Through our creative:voices and art:links programmes, we’re working year-round to bring creativity and connection to those who need it most. 

We spoke to Jenn (78), an adult carer who took part in creative:voices, and Myrium (60+), an art:links participant, about the impact these projects had on them. 

This Christmas, your support can help us reach even more people like Jenn and Myrium, giving them the gift of creativity – and a chance to feel seen, valued and heard. 

Rediscovering Confidence and Joy Through Writing 

Jenn, 78, recently took part in creative:voices, our national programme with adult carers. She attended a six-week creative writing project with Greenwich Carers, led by our professional writer Henry Maddicott. Living with chronic health conditions and caring for others, Jenn described how the years of responsibility had dimmed the spark of her creativity: 

“Being a carer, you lose yourself. A greater part of you isn’t there anymore.”  

Despite initial hesitation, Jenn found herself enjoying the freedom and lightness of creative writing: 

“I wouldn’t have necessarily chosen creative writing for myself, but I thought I’d dip my toes in the water. I came along and found the experience very freeing and non-judgmental. All of my [previous] writing has been under exam rules and bit solemn. This was lighter and the pace of the facilitation was brilliant. 

“Some of my mischief is coming back!” 

Jenn , CREATIVE:VOICES participant

New beginnings, new connections 

In Havering, Myrium* joined art:links, our creative programme for isolated older adults, for a creative writing project led by our writer Justin Coe. After recently relocating and feeling unsure about how to connect with others in a new area, the project was a space for Myrium to feel like part of a community: 

“I’m new to living in Havering and I heard about Di’s Diamonds. I’ve only just joined, and I’ve not been on a creative writing course before, so this was something brand new to me. We were put at ease, and it could all be seen as fun, with no judgement. 

“[The project] has felt very caring and nurturing. It has been a great opportunity to meet new people.” 

Myrium, ART:LINKS PARTICIPANT

For Myrium, the workshops became more than a creative outlet: they were a space for empathy, healing and laughter. Each session offered a gentle invitation to share, reflect and be present. 

“[Being creative] has felt like something that was missing for me in my life. Once I got to a certain age, I thought “maybe it’s too late [to be creative]”. But it’s great to get out there and encourage people who think they can’t do it. 

“Slowing down and saying ‘I’m just going to give my interpretation’ [through writing] has been good. Acceptance is important for mental health. Different exercises brought up different things for people. It could be quite emotional, but I felt that Justin was looking out for us. It’s given me the freedom just to go with myself and what I feel, what’s coming up at that time. “ 

“I want to reassure anyone who thinks they can’t do it: allow yourself to [do it] and you will feel encouraged and safe.” 

” I think we will be good friends.”

MOLLY, INSPIRED:ARTS PARTICIPANT

The reality of Christmas for many 

While many people look forward to festive joy, Christmas can be one of the most difficult times of year for carers and isolated older adults. One in 10 people in England are unpaid carers, many of whom don’t get time off over the holidays: 77% of carers say they feel more isolated during the festive season. Meanwhile, nearly one million older people in the UK often feel lonely and 670,000 won’t speak to or see anyone on Christmas Day. 

For people facing these realities, the connections and confidence our projects create can have a lasting impact. For isolated older adults and unpaid carers like Jenn and Myrium, discovering a creative outlet can be transformative, opening up new passions, friendships and communities that continue beyond the project. 

For those who may face isolation, exhaustion or grief during the festive season, having people to turn to and creative practices to lean on can make all the difference. 

This Christmas, you can help bring joy, confidence and connection to those who need it most. 

Give the gift of creativity – not just for the holidays, but all year round. 

Donate now to our Christmas campaign.  

Thank you to City Bridge Foundation, the Johnston Nijman Foundation and White Stuff for funding these projects. 

*Names changed to protect anonymity.