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Create founder Nicky Goulder awarded MBE in New Year Honours List

Posted on December 31, 2024 by - News

CREATE FOUNDER NICKY GOULDER AWARDED MBE IN NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST

We are delighted that Nicky Goulder, Founding Chief Executive of Create, has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List 2025.

She receives the award in recognition of “services to Disadvantaged People and to Charity” including her tireless work to expand access to the creative arts for the most vulnerable people in our society.

Commenting on her honour, Nicky said:

“I founded Create 21 years ago in the belief that everyone should have access to the life-enhancing power of the creative arts, which offer hope, inspiration, connection and skill-building. I have combined my work at Create with a number of voluntary positions for charities that have been inspirational and deeply rewarding. It is an honour to be awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List 2025 in recognition of the impact that we are making. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved with Create over the years for their commitment, passion and dedication and hope that this award helps to shine a light on the importance of making creativity accessible to everyone. This vision has been – and will continue to be – the driving force in my life into the future.”

Tony Cates, Chair of the Create Board of Trustees, said:

“This award is testament to the incredible impact that Nicky and her team have had on the individuals, organisations and communities that Create has worked with over 21 years. First as Trustee and now as Chair, I have had the great privilege of seeing this award-winning charity give increasing numbers of marginalised people each year access to the benefits of the creative arts. Creativity opens up new possibilities and enhances confidence and wellbeing. Everyone involved in Create’s work under Nicky’s dedicated and inspiring leadership can take pride in supporting this exceptional charity whose positive impact on society has been recognised at the highest level.”

Founded by Nicky in 2003, Create is a multi-award-winning charity empowering lives, reducing isolation and enhancing wellbeing through the creative arts. Create provides free creative experiences for those who need these most, working with professional artists and community partners to bring creativity directly to the most marginalised people in our society. It has delivered 15,500 workshops to date with more than 47,000 participants across the UK.

Create’s work has been recognised with more than 130 awards since 2012, including Charity Times Charity of the Year 2020. Most recently, in October 2024, the charity was awarded a prestigious Mental Health Award, recognising the importance and value of creativity for wellbeing.

Prior to founding Create, Nicky was Chief Executive of the Orchestra of St John’s. She has extensive experience in creative arts management, before which she was a Marketing Executive at KPMG.

Nicky has won a number of awards, including Clarins Most Dynamisante Woman of the Year 2013 (which brought with it a £30,000 prize for Create) and, most recently, Arts Innovator in the Women&Home Amazing Women Awards 2023.

Nicky is passionate about volunteering and is currently a Childline Counsellor (since 2021); and a Trustee of both Carers’ Hub Lambeth (2024) and Wales Millennium Centre (2018). She became a Climate Reality Leader in 2021. Previously, she has been a Samaritan (2002-2022); a Trustee of MYTIME Young Carers (2021-2024); a Trustee/Vice Chair of the Queen’s Nursing Institute (2009-2019); advisor to the Pro Youth Philharmonia (2017-2020); a YouthXpress leader at Southwark Cathedral, where she worked with young people aged 11-18 (2007-2017); and a Childline Counsellor (1993-1998).

HOW CREATIVITY ENRICHES THE LIVES OF PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA

Posted on December 20, 2024 by - Blogs

HOW CREATIVITY ENRICHES THE LIVES OF people with dementia

Creativity holds a unique power to connect, heal and inspire. For individuals with dementia, engaging in the arts can provide a sense of purpose, enhance cognitive abilities, and foster meaningful connections. Through art links, Create’s creative arts programme for vulnerable older people with dementia and age-related challenges, we aim to deliver these benefits with some of society’s most vulnerable people. At Chamberlain House Dementia Resource Centre in West London, our recent six-week music project demonstrated the profound impact that creativity can have on participants’ lives.

THE HEALING POWER OF CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT

Scientific studies have shown that creative activities can significantly improve the wellbeing of individuals with dementia. Engaging in art or music helps activate areas of the brain responsible for memory, emotion and communication. According to Age UK, participating in arts-based projects an reduce anxiety, alleviate depression and increase feelings of self-worth.

Image shows a Create professional musician, leading a music project with older adults
Participants taking part in another art:links music project

At Chamberlain House, Create musician John Webb worked with service users to compose songs inspired by their personal stories and cultural heritage. The project was not just about making music though; it was about creating a safe space for self-expression and connection. Begoña, a staff member at the centre, noted the importance of Create’s longstanding partnership with the centre:

Service users can work with professional artists and do activities that we can’t provide. They benefit very much.

The value of such engagement goes beyond the workshops themselves. Participants find joy in the process and feel proud of their achievements, demonstrating that creativity can be a powerful tool for resilience and growth.

STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION

The impact of Create’s work is perhaps best seen in the stories of the individuals who take part. Begoña shared several moving examples of how art:links has changed lives at Chamberlain House:

Image shows three women smiling and holding hands as they take part in a Create project
Participants at one of our other art:links projects.

Mrs P__, who often avoids activities, found confidence and joy during the music workshops. For the first time, she actively contributed by playing instruments and sharing her thoughts. She was so proud of her involvement that she wanted to invite her whole family to see what she had accomplished.

Mrs S__, who struggles with social anxiety and depression, initially observed the sessions from a distance. By the end of the project, she was playing musical instruments and interacting confidently with others. Her daughter was amazed at the transformation, saying,

i couldn’t believe how well she was engaging in such a big group.

Another participant rediscovered her love for the piano after years of not playing due to dementia. Her family shared that the project reignited her passion, and she began playing at home again.

These stories remind us that creativity can unlock hidden potential, even in the face of complex challenges.

CONTINUING THE CREATIVE JOURNEY

Participants taking part in an art:links visual art project

art:links has left a lasting impression on the participants and their families. As Begoña shared, “We have two ladies who are aware the project is finishing, and they are already asking when the next one is going to be.” The enthusiasm and anticipation for future projects reflect the deep impact that creativity has had on their lives.

At Create, we are committed to providing opportunities for vulnerable people to connect, express themselves and thrive through the creative arts. Projects like art:links not only enrich the lives of participants but also challenge assumptions about what individuals with dementia can achieve with the right support.

Thank you to our funders: The Charity of Sir Richard Whittington [via The Mercers’ Company], City Bridge Foundation and Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s Arts Grants Scheme.

MEET DEIRDRE, AN ADULT CARER FROM NOTTINGHAM

Posted on December 20, 2024 by - Blogs

MEET DEIRDRE, AN ADULT CARER FROM nottingham

Captured at one of our creative:voices projects.

During September and October 2024, Create musician Bethan Roberts led a series of online music workshops as part of our creative:voices programme, designed to provide adult carers with much-needed respite. Delivered via Create Live!, the workshops enabled carers from The Carers Federation in Nottingham to explore their creativity, connect with others and rediscover joy in a supportive and accessible environment.

We spoke with participant, Deirdre (78) who shared her experience of balancing her caring role for her husband with with her own need for creative expression and mental wellbeing.

Deirdre’s Story

“I care for my husband David. We’ve been married for 56 years. He’s got subcortical vascular dementia, which means he’s got all this intelligence but absolutely no memory – about 30 seconds, if I’m lucky. It means everything needs [to be repeated]. He still thinks he can do everything he used to, like cooking, and that puts him in quite a dangerous position.

“We’ve always shared all home responsibilities until [these] last 10 years when he started to decline. Now my responsibilities include trying to get him to exercise and trying to give him a bit of variety in life. I feel sad for him because his freedom of choice is gone now.

Captured at one of our creative:voices projects.

“And I suppose I always lack sleep, which makes me very weepy. Because I need to check on him at night.”

The value of such engagement goes beyond the workshops themselves. Participants find joy in the process and feel proud of their achievements, demonstrating that creativity can be a powerful tool for resilience and growth.

ADDING CREATIVITY BACK IN

“I miss my hobbies. I used to walk a local trail every morning, but I can’t do that now. I can’t just nip to the shops. I’ve lost the ability to write poetry. I’ve had to cut back on everything I do.

That’s where this music [project] has been so important to me because it’s brought creativity back into my life. I have an appointment with it.

“And my main challenge at the moment is I need to think about myself more. This is a good starting point to enabling me, hopefully, to take some of those further steps that I know I need to [take].”

THE POWER OF MUSIC

“We’ve been taking part in a creative music [project] on screen alongside other people. Much to my immense surprise, we’ve written the words and music for a song. It was quite exciting to hear it all come together. We got to see our music grow and develop, in the same way as plants would grow in a garden, which was very rewarding.

Captured at one of our creative:voices projects.

“My favourite part of the workshop was when we coloured along to music. It really linked me to the music. I’ve just bought myself some watercolour pencils so I can do it for myself. I’m excited to try and take it a stage further if I can.”

TEAMWORK

“I’ve gained an awful lot through working as a team and conversing with other people on this project. It’s been great fun to work with people who I hadn’t met before and there were so many talents in the group. The teamwork has been such an important part of the project.”

CREATIVITY AND WELLBEING

“I loved being creative. It took me away physically, mentally, and emotionally from my caring role. I’m very tied down by my caring, because I’m a 24/7 carer with just an hour and a half of help each day. But creating things takes us away from ourselves. When you’re involved in creating, you can’t think about how much your feet ache or how your brain is in a fuzz.

this project has added hugely to my life. It’s added to my contentment because I feel I’ve accomplished something and done something different. I think everybody needs someting creative because it takes you out of yourself into another world.

“It’s difficult to get your own growth or your own needs met when you’re a 24/7 carer. David has no idea of any of my needs now, which can be quite painful because I can’t connect with him in that way anymore. So this project has helped me to consider where I am mentally. This is what brings me to tears. I’ve had to think about myself and not somebody else. I have to think about making sure that I’m all right, as well as my husband. And that makes all the difference.”

Captured at one of our creative:voices projects.

CREATE LIVE!

Create Live! is Create’s platform of online workshops. Running creative sessions online enables us to engage participants who might previously have been unable to take part.

“One of the really good things [about Create Live!] is that is hasn’t taken me out of the house. It’s allowed me to do an awful lots of things, but I’m still in contact with David if I need to be. And he knows where I am. It takes away the stress, because I know that I’ve settled my husband down and that he’s alright. And I know that I can walk out at any point and check on him, which is fantastic.”

creative:voices is one of Create’s many programmes designed to bring creativity, connection, new skills and joy to those who need them most. For Deirdre, it’s been a lifeline – offering respite, self-expression, and the confidence to nurture her own wellbeing.

This project is funded by The Smiles Fund, awarding funds from Comic Relief and Walkers.

BUILDING CONNECTIONS THROUGH MUSIC: CREATIVE:CONNECTION IN MANCHESTER AND SALFORD

Posted on November 30, 2024 by - Blogs

BUILDING CONNECTIONS THROUGH MUSIC: CREATIVE:CONNECTION IN MANCHESTER AND SALFORD

At Create, we believe in the power of the creative arts to connect people, build skills, break down barriers, and foster a more inclusive society. We designed our creative:connection programme to bring together disabled and non-disabled children, enabling them to build relationships and dismantle stereotypes around disability. Our recent project in Manchester/Salford, led by four of our professional musicians, brought this vision to life, offering young participants from four mainstream and special schools the unique opportunity to collaborate on music and lyrics.

In a society where disabled children have few opportunities to engage with their non-disabled peers, projects like creative:connection are crucial. Research shows that disabled children experience social isolation more frequently than non-disabled children, often with limited opportunities for interaction in communal settings. Further research reveals that disabled children often face barriers in accessing music education. creative:connecton tackled this head-on, creating a joyful, inclusive environment where participants could express themselves, learn new skills, and connect with each other.

gaining confidence through music and collaboration

Throughout the project, the young people grew in confidence as they learned to play instruments, write lyrics, and perform as an ensemble. For many, this was a transformative experience. One participant shared, “I enjoyed playing in an ensemble with the other school,” while another said, “Matt and Bethan [Create’s professional musicians] are amazing teachers; they make me feel more confident, even when I mess up.”

Staff at the schools noted the positive impact on those who typically struggle with confidence:

They have engaged really well, those who struggle with confidence and conversation came out of their shells to share their creation and their work.

finding joy and creative expression together

As the groups worked toward the final performance, the joy and camaraderie among the participants became evident. A parent in the audience shared, “He doesn’t ever tell us what he does at school [yet] every night this week, he’s come home and told us what he’s been doing, he’s loved it.” This feedback underscores the value of these inclusive spaces, where young people feel empowered to share their experiences.

creative:connection was part of Manchester Literature Festival and this year’s theme, Joy!, was beautifully expressed by the participants. They came together to create a new music piece entitled Mystic Bolero, which one of the musicians described as “very different to what school groups normally create — it’s on another level.” The power of shared creativity was palpable, with participants commenting, “It’s fun and it makes me happy” and “I liked the creative side, coming together to write the lyrics.”

the power of connection and community

On the day of the final performance, all four schools gathered to share their collaborative creations. Watching the students perform and seeing their pride in what they had achieved together was truly moving. One of the school staff members said, “I’ve had to stop myself from crying, please, please, please come back next year.” The musicians involved also noted the students’ hard work, with one saying, “Teamwork and creativity are absolutely great, producing two wonderful pieces of music. They have worked so hard.”

The feedback from both participants and staff reflects how projects like creative:connection build meaningful connections and foster an inclusive community.

CREATING CHANGE – THE ROLE OF THE CREATIVE ARTS IN SUPPORTING CHILDREN IN CARE

Posted on November 30, 2024 by - Blogs

CREATING CHANGE – THE ROLE OF THE CREATIVE ARTS IN SUPPORTING CHILDREN IN CARE

For children in care, finding stability, expression and community can be a challenge. At Create, we believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to explore their creativity in an empowering environment. Through projects such as our:voices and creative:spaces, we work with children in care across the UK, introducing them to a variety of art forms and offering creative projects that boost confidence, promote wellbeing and build community.

Studies show that young people in care often experience higher levels of isolation, with fewer opportunities to engage in activities that support emotional and social development. Engaging with the creative arts can provide a valuable outlet, helping to develop resilience, self-confidence, a means of self-expression and a sense of belonging. According to research by the Social Care Institute for Excellence, creative engagement can be instrumental in helping children in care to process their experiences, creating positive impacts on mental health and social connections.

BUILDING CONFIDENCE AND CONNECTION THROUGH THE ARTS

Create’s projects give children in care the chance to learn new skills and build lasting connections with peers. Earlier this year we ran a series of projects in partnership with Fitch Group. 14 year old Isaac, who took part in creative:spaces, described the experience, saying:

When you are creative, you use your brain more, and you can see how much more powerful your brain is. It helps you to not think about other things … it gives you a break from the world.

These moments of self-expression help children look beyond their daily struggles and embrace the freedom of being creative.

Each project is designed with an emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, bringing young people together to share and celebrate their talents. Isaac also reflected,

“Everyone’s style was different … we just had fun, worked together and made the time more enjoyable.”

For children who may face social or emotional challenges, these projects foster a supportive environment where they can open up, feel valued and gain confidence in a group setting.

CREATIVE:SPACES AS A PATHWAY TO POSITIVE CHANGE

Beyond personal growth, our projects encourage children in care to view themselves as part of a larger community. Through projects like creative:spaces, their work is displayed in public and professional spaces, celebrating their achievements and highlighting their creative potential.

“I am proud [that the artwork will be displayed in Canary Wharf] because people get to know that kids nowadays are not just all stuck to their phones. We can actually do other stuff, and we have creative minds.”

According to findings from the Impact of Arts & Cultural Education on Children Looked After, creative programmes can improve self-confidence, self-esteem and emotional resilience for children in care, helping them form connections that might otherwise be difficult due to frequent moves or disrupted schooling. Moreover, studies like those conducted by Youth Music reveal that the arts provide an important sense of belonging and a safe space for young people to share their experiences, making them feel valued and empowered within their community.

INSPIRING FUTURES THROUGH CREATIVITY

At Create, we witness the power of the creative arts every day. For children in care, creativity is more than just an activity. It provides a welcoming space where they can explore their identities, express emotions and build connections. These projects go beyond building artistic skills. They create meaningful connections, foster emotional resilience and open up new possibilities for the future.

This festive season, we invite you to support Create’s mission to bring creativity, joy and empowerment to children in care. Every contribution helps us provide our participants with opportunities that make a lasting impact on their lives, allowing them to experience the freedom and confidence that comes from creative expression. With your help, we can unlock potential, offer support and inspire brighter futures for those who need it most.

Supporting Young Carers to Create and Connect This Christmas

Posted on November 30, 2024 by - Blogs

Supporting Young Carers to Create and Connect This Christmas

Christmas can be a difficult and isolating time for young carers, due to the intensity of their caring responsibilities. Action for Children’s UK-wide survey of young carers under 18 found that 21% are providing care for a loved one for more hours than the average workday, dedicating 11 hours or more each day during the Christmas break. We spoke with Raven, a nine year-old young carer from Winchester, who recently took part in our art:space project. The project gives young carers the chance to do something for themselves and express themselves through the creative arts.

caring for a loved one

“I care mainly for my little brother, because he’s got autism, and he doesn’t understand things as a normal child would. I play with him a lot and it’s fun. We get on well because we’re good brothers and sisters. It’s just sometimes I need a little bit of a break. And thank [goodness] Winchester Young Carers introduced me to Create. It’s really nice to be here. It helps young carers because sometimes when you are caring for someone, you need to take a breath of fresh air and to take a step out the house for a second.”

community through the creative arts

As a result of their caring responsibilities, 44% of young carers interviewed by Action for Children reported missing out on Christmas social events. This sense of isolation over the holidays contributes to feelings of stress and loneliness for one in five young carers. Raven shared the positive impact that art:space had on her social skills and confidence.

“We have been using our imagination and creating sculptures and little pieces of art. We’ve been using a lot of different art materials, like cardboard, foam, spray paint, paint and paper. It’s been really fun to explore with all these materials.

I have never made [foam sculptures] before. I made some cat ears and I actually felt amazed [when I finished them] because I didn’t think they would look as good as they did. 

It’s been very good [working as a group]. We’ve been socialising how we should, and everyone is working together in a safe environment. There’s been lots of kids here I didn’t know, so it’s upped my confidence for socialising. I’ve had a lot of help from the staff and other kids and it’s been really wonderful.”

being creative

Raven’s experience at art:space highlights the importance of creativity in young people’s lives. For young carers like Raven, having the chance to explore their imagination freely is essential. It brings a sense of joy and accomplishment that can be hard to find amid the pressures of caregiving.

“I’ve enjoyed how I could use my imagination. [Being creative] feels really good. It’s really fun, and you can just do whatever you want with our imaginations. It is very important, because you do need to use your imagination once in a while, even when you’re an adult, you still need to use it.”

art:space is part of Create’s extensive provision to empower young carers across the UK. By offering them a safe place to create, express and connect, we aim to make the holidays a bit brighter and help young carers like Raven discover their full potential. This Christmas, we invite you to support Create’s mission to bring creativity and joy to young carers across the UK all year round.

Create shortlisted for FANTASTIC FOR FAMILIES Awards

Posted on November 12, 2024 by - News, Blogs

Create shortlisted for FANTASTIC FOR FAMILIES Awards

I’m delighted to share that Create has been shortlisted for the 2024 Fantastic for Families Awards! Our art:links programme has been recognised in the Best Age-Friendly Outreach category, highlighting creative programmes that bring lasting positive impact to older adults across the UK.

EMPOWERING OLDER ADULTS THROUGH CREATIVITY

Through art:links, we’re tackling the critical challenges of loneliness, boredom, and isolation that so many older adults face. In 2020, around 1.4 million older people in the UK reported feeling lonely often, with nearly 200,000 unable to access the support they needed to leave their homes. This isolation isn’t just a feeling – it’s been shown to impact overall health, with links to increased risks of depression and cognitive challenges as people age. By providing spaces where older adults can connect and create, we’re helping to turn the tide on these issues, nurturing resilience and joy through shared creative experiences.

Our art:links programme provides a meaningful response, bringing older adults together in weekly creative workshops that empower, engage and uplift. Research shows that engaging in creative activities can significantly enhance wellbeing, reduce stress and foster a sense of belonging, especially among older adults. In partnership with 12 local services, including Age UK branches, dementia hubs and support centres, our professional artists co-create projects tailored to participants’ needs and interests. From music and ceramics to storytelling and visual arts, each session offers a valuable chance to connect, learn, and thrive in a warm, supportive space.

CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS AND LASTING CONNECTIONS

This past year, art:links delivered 145 workshops with 334 participants across Greater Manchester and London, culminating in exhibitions and performances that celebrated each participant’s achievements. For many, these gatherings with family, friends, and community members are the highlight of the programme, fostering a sense of connection and pride that has lasting effects. One participant captured it best, saying:

“IT HAS AWAKENED MY IMAGINATION.”

art links participant

With the virtual award ceremony on 28 November, when the winners will be announced – wish us luck! – we’re proud to stand alongside so many other impactful organisations that showcase the power of the arts. Our thanks to Family Arts Campaign for this recognition and to our dedicated partners for making art:links possible.

We would also like to thank our funders: The Wimbledon Foundation, The Charity of Sir Richard Whittington (via The Mercer’s Company), The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Arts Grants Scheme and City Bridge Foundation.

You can read more about our art:links programme and the other inspiring initiatives shortlisted here.

Nicky Goulder, Founding Chief Executive

tHE CREATIVE ARTS and Mental Health

Posted on October 31, 2024 by - Blogs

tHE CREATIVE ARTS and Mental Health

At Create, we get to see first-hand how the creative arts enhance individuals’ wellbeing. This was reflected in our 2023/24 social value report: 100% of our participants said that attending Create projects improved their quality of life; and 98% of them reported improved self-esteem.

Our findings reflect recent research from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) which found that “people who took part in arts and crafts reported higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction, as well as a stronger sense that life is worthwhile.” Moreover, ARU concluded that “helping people to access affordable opportunities for creativity could be a major boost to public mental health.”

This aligns with Create’s mission of enable those who are isolated or marginalised to take part in free high quality creative arts experiences. Below, we hear some of their stories.

FINDING MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL RELIEF THROUGH ART

“Being creative has been really great. It’s been great to express our emotions through body movement and dance. Some days when I have got here, I have felt really emotional. I’m literally holding in tears. And at the end, I feel lighter and better because I’ve moved my body and I’ve been able to come away from my responsibilities and roles at home. I’ve learnt that for me personally, body movement is very important. I used to take dance classes and I really used to enjoy it. But everything stopped and I’ve felt very stagnant. So doing something like this is really important. And I feel more motivated when I’m within a group. I just love the way that movement allows you to release lots of energy from your body as well. It just allows you to move and release that stress in a way. It’s been really nice for my mental health. It certainly helps, 100%” – Nimisha, adult carer, Harrow

“I loved being creative. It took me away physically, mentally and emotionally from my caring role. I’m very tied down by my caring, because I’m a 24/7 carer with just an hour and a half of help each day. But creating things takes us away from ourselves. When you’re involved in creating, you can’t think about how much your feet ache or how your brain is in a fuzz. It’s being able to use my brain and body differently and in a stimulating way.” – Bridget, adult carer, Nottingham

“[These workshops have] been really uplifting for my mood. I suffer with a low mood, but doing the artwork gives me moments where I feel like my mind is creating space. I always compare it to a glass jar, and mine’s really full, overflowing and cracked. I’ve got no more space to do anything. But when I come here and do art, it empties some of that jar. And I can use that empty space to do my caring role.” – Anilla, adult carer, Manchester.

“Being creative felt good because sometimes everything is stressful, especially as I have assessments coming up. It’s been nice to be able to do something else besides that. Creativity has really helped with my mental health, especially doing art with other people. It’s helped me take my mind off of everything and focus on something else for a little while.” – Jack, young carer, Uxbridge

BUILDING LONG-TERM MENTAL HEALTH TOOLS THROUGH THE ARTS

“That’s where this music project has been so important to me because it’s brought creativity back into my life. I have an appointment with it. And my main challenge at the moment is [that] I need to think about myself more. This is a good starting point to enabling me, hopefully, to take some of those further steps that I know I need to do.” – Bridget, adult carer, Nottingham

“I call it my ‘me time’. Because I’m given a chance to come and do what I want to do, and just be free and I’m not being judged. And the fact that it’s creative is good because my creativity has just gotten to spark up. I would recommend it to others as well. I even told my doctor about it and she was really happy I had something to help with my mental health and all the things I’ve got going on at the moment. I really loved the ‘yes, and’ [activity], where somebody says something and you continue with ‘yes, and’. That was both therapeutic and creative for me. It’s actually helped me in my personal life. It has given me a positive outlook by saying ‘yes, and’ instead of going negative and spiralling down. It’s been good in that regard.” – Yvonne, older adult, Islington

“Taking part in this project, I learned that art can be quite relaxing and therapeutic and that it can also help with pain. Obviously, I rely on painkillers, but art can calm your body down, which is quite nice. Projects like these can help people in hospital see a different perspective. We can see the beauty in the very mundane things through art.” Blair, young psychiatric hospital patient, Manchester

ART IS FREEDOM – A conversation with a survivor of modern day slavery

Posted on October 17, 2024 by - Stories

ART IS FREEDOM – A conversation with a survivor of modern day slavery

Over the summer Create partnered with law firm, Ashurst and crisis charity, Hestia to deliver a series of painting workshops with  survivors of modern slavery. Hosted at Ashurst, these workshops where part of Hestia’s Art is Freedom project, which empowers survivors to use creativity as a means of self-expression and healing.

As part of the project, participants’ artwork will be presented as part of Hestia’s Art is Freedom Exhibition, held to raise awareness of Anti-Slavery Day. This year, the exhibition will run from 7- 20 October 2024 at Trafalgar Square, Waterloo Station and Victoria Station. The exhibition also took over the Piccadilly lights on the morning of 18 October to mark Anti-Slavery Day, with artworks accompanied by the message, ‘ The art is free, and now so are the artists.’

Five people looking at the Art is Freedom artwork on display at the Piccadilly Lights.

Under the guidance of our professional Create artist Rachel McGivern, participants created stunning paintings in response to the theme ‘unlocked’.

Below is an interview with one of the participants, who chose to remain anonymous.

HOW CREATIVITY HEALS

“[Coming into the project] my brain was very empty because I was very heavy and I was so tired with myself and with my medicine. [This project] has given me a way to live a life like sailing on water. [Create] taught me and showed me a way to come out of the dark room I was in. I’m very thankful for Create and for the art [workshops].”

“I continue to share because you need to have courage to break these things. Break the silence and come out free, share with others, you’ll find a solution. Which we have a solution for this.”

“I’ll never finish creating. Until I die, I create and I will never finish. I take inspiration from the things I experience around me.”

BEING A SURVIVOR

Freedom is a big word. It’s very important for me. All I hope is that these words will come true.

“If you are suffering, tell people that you are suffering. I’m still thinking about how I was suffering. No one understands my pain in my country. They neglect me, torture me, beat me, they never showed me love, which I get from this country.

“[I curated a painting of] myself and my friend. We are still looking for our freedom, which we don’t have right now but we are looking for this. We are swimming in a big sea and we still haven’t reached our boat yet. We are still swimming and still struggling.”

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ART IS FREEDOM EXHIBITION

“[The theme unlocked] is very beautiful and it’s quite heavy because I’m still looking for the key to unlock myself from the situation that I am currently in.”

“It’s a big message for me. I’m happy to share my art picture in this exhibition. I want to share with everyone, please don’t sleep in darkroom. Come out and see the sun. Fight for yourself. Never give up. Fight for yourself, even though life is hard. I came here to find a safe place to live and I’m safe. Yes, I’m safe. All my paintings are about birds and butterflies. When I was so small, I couldn’t run to catch butterflies because someone abused me and I couldn’t fight by myself. So now that I’m here, I’ve come to live the rest of my life in the happiest of moments.”

“I’m happy to collaborate with the group. Everyone is taking their own big step, they have their own motivation on their mind and we can learn from each other and how each of us struggle, how we can help each other, and how we can be friendly to one another.”

Create wins Mental Health Award

Posted on October 11, 2024 by - News, Blogs

Create wins Mental Health Award

Create at the Mental Health Awards

We are delighted to announce that Create has won a prestigious Mental Health Award, recognising the importance and value of creativity for wellbeing.

Our creative:voices programme with adult carers won the “Most Innovative Proactive Wellbeing Activity” category at the Mental Health Awards ceremony in Reading last night.

Create CEO Nicky Goulder and Director of Programmes Kristian Sakulku at the Mental Health Awards
Create CEO Nicky Goulder and Director of Programmes Kristian Sakulku at the Mental Health Awards

We are thrilled that the creative arts have once again been formally recognised as a powerful tool for enhancing mental wellbeing. The award recognises the important work that we deliver across the UK with those who selflessly provide unpaid care to their loved ones. It is made all the more special by being Create’s first award for this area of our work. Winning this award is also valued recognition of the quality of our dedicated team’s commitment and passion and I am so proud of what we have achieved.

At Create, we fundamentally believe that people need to create. It is often the most marginalised people in society who are excluded from accessing the benefits of the creative arts, whilst also standing to benefit the most from taking part.

The adult carers who take part in our creative:voices programme certainly fall into this category. They are often disadvantaged, marginalised and hidden, which can lead to poor mental health and low self-esteem. And so many of them do not have the time or resources to access the creative arts in their day-to-day lives. The poverty rate for adult carers is 50% higher than for those who do not provide unpaid care (Carers UK 2024) and 68% are unable to get a break from their respite care when they need it (Carers Trust 2023).  

When I look at all the pieces I made on this project, they look beautiful. It’s relaxing and good for your mind.

creative:voices participant

Many adult carers say that their personal relationships, social lives and leisure time have been restricted due to their caring responsibilities. They often feel a sense of guilt, stress and isolation connected to their caring, which makes access to appropriate support essential.

We designed creative:voices to alleviate feelings of isolation and enhance mental health, enriching carers’ sense of belonging in their community and increasing their confidence in themselves and their abilities. The project enables them to take a creative break from their caring responsibilities, to meet others and boost their mental wellbeing.

I enjoyed the project and found it therapeutic. It always brightened my day when I came here. You don’t know what creativity you have until you try it.

creative:voices participant

We see every day the profound impact that creativity has on people’s mental health and wellbeing. When given the chance to engage with the creative arts, people learn new skills and positive attitudes, they build connections, find fulfilment, and discover the sheer joy of creating.

With this award, we are taking one step closer to our vision of a world in which everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, has the opportunity to engage in the creative arts.

Thank you to the Mental Health Awards for shining a spotlight on our work, and for highlighting how creativity is an indispensable tool for enhancing mental wellbeing. Thank you to the dedicated carer services across the UK with which we partner. And thank you to The Smiles Fund partnership between Comic Relief and Walkers for funding this life-changing programme.

Nicky Goulder, Founding Chief Executive

CASE STUDIES

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artwork by members of Carers Leeds in creative voices project
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Meet Alexandra, an adult carer from Leeds

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