Author: communications

Creativity in hospital: supporting young people’s wellbeing through art 

Posted on October 22, 2026 by - Blogs, Stories

Creativity in hospital: supporting young people’s wellbeing through art 

For children and young people receiving hospital treatment, opportunities to be creative can offer a welcome change from the routines and challenges of hospital life. Whether making art, experimenting with photography or building something from scratch, creative activities can provide time to explore new skills, connect with others and focus on something enjoyable. 

Create’s creative:tandem programme brings professional artists into hospitals to deliver multi-artform projects with children and young people admitted due to demanding mental health conditions. 

Through a range of accessible and engaging creative activities, the programme gives young patients opportunities to express themselves, develop confidence and enjoy working alongside others, with workshops adapted to their individual needs. 

We spoke to staff member Paula and participants Nadia* and Christopher* about their experiences on the programme. 

Creating without pressure at Galaxy House 

In February 2026, Create artist Julia Roy-Williams delivered five days of visual art workshops at Galaxy House, a specialist NHS inpatient unit for children and young people with complex mental health needs. 

For young people receiving treatment in hospital, individual needs and circumstances can vary significantly. Paula, a member of staff at Galaxy House, highlighted how the flexibility of the workshops helped participants engage in ways that felt manageable for them: 

“There’s been no expectation placed on them, it’s based on what they can manage, because all the young people are here for different reasons. There’s no judgment for them, no pressure. Create have really taken into consideration their different needs. And when they’ve needed help, it’s been offered. 

“[The project] has been bringing them out of themselves, giving them encouragement to go ‘I can do that’.” 

Building confidence and self-esteem through creative activities 

Alongside opportunities to experiment with materials and learn new skills, Paula observed changes in how some young people approached the sessions. 

For participants navigating difficult aspects of their treatment, having something creative to focus on offered a valuable break: 

“It’s a really good distraction for them. Some of them have come from difficult appointments, such as being fed, and they might not be feeling great about themselves. 

“One young person, for example, came in quite withdrawn, but has come here and really got into it. A lot of them don’t have much confidence, but this really boosts their self-esteem. They’ve learned about how resilient they are. Creativity is a great therapeutic distraction for some kinds of illnesses.” 

Paula also emphasised the value of making creative opportunities available within hospital settings: 

“There are so many benefits to this; [projects like this] are scarce and we hope it continues.” 

Exploring imagination through photography and animation 

In April 2026, Create returned to Galaxy House for a five-day photography project led by professional photographer Becky Lattin. 

Participants explored photography and stop-frame animation, using images to bring their ideas to life. 

Nadia, who had been staying at Galaxy House for several months, described how joining in with activities made a difference to her day: 

“I’ve been at Galaxy House for three months and 16 days. If you’re feeling sad, joining in with activities can make you feel better.” 

“This [Create] project was wonderful. We took photos, made stop-frame animation and we did some art. I made Glinda the Witch travelling around from the sea to the sky!” 

As well as enjoying the chance to experiment with different artforms, Nadia valued being creative alongside other young people: 

“[Working with others] was cool. I like being creative and doing arts and crafts, because it’s good to use your imagination.” 

Discovering new skills through model making 

Also in April 2026, Create artist Paul Pickford delivered five days of model making workshops at Junction 17, a specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) for young people aged 13-17 who require treatment for complex mental health difficulties. 

The workshops gave participants opportunities to develop their own designs, experiment with materials and explore what they could create. 

For Christopher, who took part in the project, the creative process offered a chance to concentrate on something different and take time away from other pressures: 

“[This has been] relaxing, it takes your mind off things. It’s important for people to take a break from doing certain things and have a chance to stretch their minds. Creative things help you learn skills like visualisation and just generally relaxing.” 

The experience also encouraged him to explore his own abilities: 

“[This project] has given me an opportunity to test my limits of what I can do.” 

Why creative opportunities matter for young people in hospital 

The experiences of Paula, Nadia and Christopher reflect the importance of offering varied, flexible activities within hospital settings, recognising that every young person’s circumstances, interests and abilities are different. 

Through creative:tandem, Create’s professional artists provide opportunities for young patients to explore their creativity, learn new skills and connect with others during what can be a challenging time in their lives. 

As Christopher reflected, having the chance to create can be an opportunity to discover what you’re capable of. 

People Need To Create. 

* Participant name changed to protect anonymity. 

creative:tandem is currently funded by The Simon Rivett-Carnac Trust. 

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Create receives Highly Commended Disability Impact Award at National Charity Today Awards 2026

Posted on October 14, 2026 by - News

Create receives Highly Commended Disability Impact Award at National Charity Today Awards 2026

We are delighted to announce that Create has received a Highly Commended Award in the Disability Impact Award category at the National Charity Today Awards 2026, recognising our work to make the creative arts accessible and inclusive for disabled children and adults. 

The Disability Impact Award celebrates organisations and projects that empower disabled people, promoting accessibility, independence and inclusion. This recognition reflects the achievements of participants across four of Create’s programmes and the commitment of our professional artists, partners and funders who help make these opportunities possible. 

CREATIVE ARTS PROGRAMMES SUPPORTING DISABLED CHILDREN AND ADULTS 

Create was highly commended for our work across four programmes: creative:connection; creative:tandem; environment:matters; and our:stories. 

During 2025/26, Create delivered 280 tailored, inclusive creative arts workshops with 555 participants through these programmes. 

Working alongside our professional artists, participants explored different artforms, developed skills and confidence, expressed themselves and connected with others. Each project was designed around the needs and interests of the people taking part, ensuring they could participate in ways that worked for them. 

Celebrating disabled participants’ creativity and achievements 

An important part of Create’s work is providing opportunities for participants to share their creativity with wider audiences and take pride in what they have achieved. 

In 2025, this included a creative:connection showcase at Manchester Central Library, where 53 disabled and non-disabled students from four schools in Manchester and Salford performed original music created alongside Create’s professional musicians during a week-long residency. 

In Lewisham, participants on another creative:connection project contributed artwork to a bespoke smart car vehicle wrap. Their designs were displayed at CarFest South in August 2025 before touring London in November, bringing their creativity to audiences beyond the workshop setting. 

Meanwhile, 36 disabled students taking part in our environment:matters programme in Liverpool explored the climate crisis through visual art. Their finished pieces were celebrated at a special red-carpet private view hosted by project funder Barnett Waddingham at its office. 

These experiences offer participants opportunities not only to develop their creative skills, but also to see their work recognised and appreciated by others. 

Making creativity accessible to everyone 

At Create, we believe that everyone should have access to high-quality creative experiences, regardless of their circumstances or abilities. 

Our programmes are developed in partnership with the organisations and settings we work with and tailored to participants’ individual needs and interests. Through activities including music, visual art, drama and other artforms, our professional artists create welcoming environments where participants can experiment, collaborate and express themselves. 

Nicky Goulder MBE, Create’s Founding Chief Executive, said: 

“Receiving a Highly Commended Award for the Disability Impact Award is a wonderful recognition of the work taking place across Create’s programmes. What makes this particularly meaningful is the incredible creativity, imagination and individuality we see from our participants every day. From performing original music to exhibiting artwork in public spaces, our participants are showing what can happen when barriers to participation are removed and everyone is given the opportunity to explore their potential. We’re delighted that their achievements have been recognised on a national stage.” 

We are proud to receive this recognition alongside the many charities and organisations making a difference across the UK and extend our congratulations to all the winners at this year’s National Charity Today Awards. 

People Need To Create. 

With thanks to Barnett Waddingham, Bruce Wake Charitable Trust, Charles S French Charitable Trust, John Horniman’s Children’s Trust, London Freemasons’ Charity, Merchant Taylors’ Foundation, Octopus Energy Generation, The Simon Rivett-Carnac Trust, smart and The St Paul’s Schools Foundation (via Mercers’ Company) for funding these programmes. 

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Create raises over £8,600 to support young carers through the creative arts

Posted on October 14, 2026 by - News

Create raises over £8,600 to support young carers through the creative arts

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters and match funding from our partner White Stuff, Create has raised over £8,600, including Gift Aid, to support creative arts projects for young carers across the UK. 

From 29 September to 6 October 2026, we ran a week-long fundraising campaign to help bring more creative opportunities to children and young people who care for someone they love. 

Throughout the campaign, donations were matched £1 for £1 by White Stuff, helping our supporters make an even greater difference. 

Together, we raised over £8,600, which will support creative projects for young carers in the lead-up to Young Carers Action Day 2027. 

Why creativity matters for young carers 

Young carers are children and young people who help look after a parent, sibling or another family member who may be living with illness, disability, mental health challenges or addiction. 

Alongside school, friendships and the everyday experiences of growing up, young carers often take on significant responsibilities at home. This can leave limited time to explore their own interests, see friends or simply have fun. 

At Create, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits of creativity. 

As one young carer from our projects explained: 

Projects like these help people express what they feel. Sometimes people bottle it up. Expressing it can make you feel like you can spread your wings, you can just be who you are.

What your support will make possible 

The funds raised will help Create deliver more creative opportunities for young carers across the UK, supporting the materials, resources and professional artist-led workshops that make our projects possible. 

Our professional artists deliver creative projects that give young carers dedicated time to focus on themselves. Through activities including music, visual arts, drama and photography, young carers can express themselves, develop new skills, build confidence and connect with others who understand their experiences. 

Their creativity will also be celebrated as part of Create’s activities around Young Carers Action Day 2027, helping to amplify young carers’ voices and showcase their talents. 

Thank you for making this possible 

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported the campaign, whether by donating, sharing our messages or helping us reach new audiences. 

A special thank you goes to our partner White Stuff for matching donations and helping us make supporters’ contributions go further. 

Although our fundraising week has come to an end, our commitment to empowering young carers through the creative arts continues. 

Thank you for helping us create more opportunities for young carers to express themselves, connect with others and thrive. 

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Vacancy: Project Manager (Greater Manchester)

Posted on October 8, 2026 by - News

Vacancy: Project Manager (Greater Manchester)

Create is seeking a dynamic, energetic, person-centred individual based in Greater Manchester with significant levels of experience of managing creative arts projects in education and community settings.

About Create and the role

This full time position would suit someone with a passion for the arts – and the power of the arts as a transformational tool in challenging community settings – who has extensive project experience gained in the arts or charity sector.

You will be responsible for managing a portfolio of Create’s projects and will oversee our freelance professional artists and freelance project managers at workshops and events. You will have outstanding interpersonal, negotiation and organisational skills and the ability to communicate effectively, persuasively and empathetically with a variety of different groups of vulnerable people.

Key responsibilities

The successful applicant will:

  • Oversee the planning, management and rigorous evaluation of a project portfolio including line managing freelance professional artists and freelance Project Managers.
  • Project manage a portfolio of projects onsite in a variety of challenging community settings (eg: adolescent psychiatric hospitals, day centres for older people, prisons, mainstream / SEND schools, young / adult carer services).
  • Oversee and develop ongoing relationships with community partners.

As Create continues to develop its work over the coming years, the job may involve increasing levels of UK travel.

Role Type: Full-time, Permanent

Location: Projects take place across Greater Manchester, Merseyside and beyond. Regular travel and some staying away are required. Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed.

Salary: £29,000 per annum

Who We Are Looking For

To apply for this role you must have experience in managing creative arts projects in community settings. Applications without this experience will not be considered.

Essential Criteria

  • Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.
  • Demonstrable interest in / knowledge of the arts.
  • Experience of developing relationships with a range of community sector / voluntary sector organisations.
  • Knowledge of the cultural landscape and priorities for communities within the North West and Greater Manchester (including an awareness of local community organisations).
  • Commitment to Create, its activities and mission.
  • Clean driving licence and own vehicle.

Desirable Criteria

  • Trauma informed practice.
  • Experience of monitoring and evaluation procedures.
  • Experience using Salesforce or similar CRM.

How to apply

Download the application pack, which includes a full job description and person specification.

The deadline for applications is 9am on Wednesday 28 October 2026.

1st Interviews: Tuesday 3 November at 70 Spring Gardens, Manchester M2 2BQ.

2nd Interviews: Tuesday 10 November at 70 Spring Gardens, Manchester M2 2BQ.

To apply, please send a completed application form with a short email providing a telephone number where you can be contacted in confidence.

Completed application forms can be emailed to recruitment@createarts.org.uk (please type the job title in the subject field).

Create is committed to a policy of equal opportunities embracing diversity in all areas of activity and welcomes applications from disabled people and people of all ethnicities.

No agencies / consultancies.

All vacancies

THE BENEFITS OF DANCE FOR WELLBEING: BUILDING CONFIDENCE AND CONNECTION THROUGH CREATIVITY

Posted on September 28, 2026 by - Stories, Blogs

THE BENEFITS OF DANCE FOR WELLBEING: BUILDING CONFIDENCE AND CONNECTION THROUGH CREATIVITY

What does it mean to dance?

For some of the participants on Create’s projects, it means performing in front of an audience for the first time. For others, it’s an opportunity to express themselves, meet someone they might not  otherwise, or simply move without worrying about getting it “right”.

Across Create’s programmes, our professional artists use dance to bring people together, providing a shared language through which people can communicate, experiment and connect.

Research increasingly supports the benefits of dance for wellbeing. A systematic review exploring dance and wellbeing identified seven interconnected benefits, including belonging, identity, self-worth and creativity. Another major review found evidence linking dance participation with positive outcomes across areas including mental health, physical health, cognitive function and social wellbeing.

The experiences of three young people who took part in Create projects show what these benefits can look like in practice.

INCLUSIVE DANCE: BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS AROUND DISABILITY

In June 2025, 11-year-olds Ava and Ela from Dilkes Academy took part in our creative:connection programme in Essex.

Across six days, non-SEND pupils from Dilkes Academy came together with SEND pupils from Beacon Hill Academy for dance workshops led by Create dancer Katie Dale-Everett.

creative:connection uses creativity to bring disabled and non-disabled young people together, providing opportunities to build relationships and challenge assumptions around disability.

For Ava, the project quickly became about much more than learning dance moves.

“This has been a fun, creative [project] where we get to meet loads of new people, help each other out and connect.”

Through working with pupils from Beacon Hill, Ava learnt new ways to communicate, including sign language. The experience also changed some of her perceptions about disability:

“[Disabled children] can do a lot more than you think and you can make them happy just by being there [for them].”

Ela had a similar experience:

“[I’ve learned] that dancing doesn’t always have to be perfect. It can just be for fun, and everyone can do it.”

“Even though sometimes [disabled people] have to do things a bit differently, you should still include them in everything that everyone does.”

HOW DANCE CAN BUILD CONFIDENCE IN CHILDREN

Earlier this year, nine-year-old Nerea discovered another side of dance through Create’s More Creative programme.

Between May and July 2026, children from Grange Primary School came together with adults with learning disabilities from Bede House for five weeks of dance workshops led by Create dancer Paul Smethurst.

At first, dancing was outside Nerea’s comfort zone:

“I learned to not be afraid of dance, because I used to be scared. Now I’m getting better and I’m more confident.”

For Nerea, confidence also came from realising there was no single correct way to participate:

“It doesn’t matter if you have disabilities, you can still dance. Just dance [however] you want to, like no one’s watching you!”

THE BENEFITS OF DANCE FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Dance is, of course, physical. But research suggests its benefits can extend well beyond physical activity, supporting mental wellbeing, cognitive health and social cognition.

That comes through strongly in the experiences of Ava, Ela and Nerea. When reflecting on their projects, they didn’t focus primarily on mastering steps or becoming better dancers.

Instead, they talked about confidence, friendship, inclusion, expression and understanding.

As Ava put it:

“I’ve learned that dancing is not just about the dancing [itself], it’s about having fun.”

Across Create’s projects, that is exactly what dance can offer: a space where there is no expectation to be perfect, where different ways of moving are valued, and where people who might otherwise never meet can create something together.

Thank you to Bruce Wake Charitable Trust, Charles S French Charitable Trust, The February Foundation and Southwark Council Neighbourhoods Fund for funding these projects. 

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Meet Jesse: Developing Skills in Creative Facilitation

Posted on September 28, 2026 by - Stories, Blogs

Meet Jesse: Developing Skills in Creative Facilitation

The UK’s creative industries are growing – and so is the need for people with the right combination of creative, professional and interpersonal skills.

Skills England projects that priority occupations within the creative industries will need around 909,000 workers between 2026 and 2035, as the sector grows and existing workers leave the workforce. At the same time, new research from the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre found that 43% of creative employers report skills shortages or gaps.

Supporting emerging artists to develop their practice and broaden their professional skills is therefore increasingly important.

Through Create’s Nurturing Talent programme, emerging artists gain practical experience of facilitating creative workshops with people facing a wide range of challenges – while learning from established professional artists and from one another.

We spoke to Jesse Akele, a multidisciplinary artist and actor from the 2026/27 Nurturing Talent cohort, about developing as a facilitator, stepping outside her own artistic practice and the importance of collaboration.

Developing as a Creative Facilitator

Jesse is a painter and visual artist with a background in acting and theatre:

“The reason I [joined] Nurturing Talent is because I had a bit of experience in facilitating art workshops with younger people, but I wanted more training, understanding and structure to [become] a better facilitator. I wanted more training, understanding and structure to [become] a better facilitator.”

Now in its 11th year, Nurturing Talent is Create’s 12-month professional skills development programme for emerging artists. In 2026/27, six artists from different disciplines are receiving training and practical experience to develop their creative workshop facilitation in diverse and challenging community settings.

For Jesse, the programme also offered an opportunity to bring together different parts of her own creative practice:

“I hadn’t yet done a workshop that encompassed both my artforms, so I was excited to do that through Create, and to be more confident and experiment a bit.”

Learning Creative Facilitation Through Experience

Create’s artists work with participants with a wide range of experiences and needs. Understanding how to make workshops inclusive, responsive and safe is therefore a vital part of the role.

Since joining the Nurturing Talent programme, Jesse has gained experience working alongside lead Create artists on projects with survivors of modern slavery and young carers aged 8-13.

“I’m confident in my art and my practice, but I needed more help in learning about participants and the types of experiences they’ve had. Learning how to keep them safe is really important as well, so you can feel confident you’re able to help.”

Building Skills Across Different Artforms

Working with different groups has also encouraged Jesse to think differently about her own creative practice:

“I’ve learned that poetry and art can go well together, so that’s something in my toolkit now that I’ll use in future workshops.”

This cross-artform learning is a central part of Nurturing Talent. Artists learn alongside peers from different disciplines, sharing techniques, approaches and ideas that they can develop in their own work.

For Jesse, teaching others has even encouraged her to revisit the fundamentals of her own practice:

“When you’re thinking about people who may have never done this before, you’ve got to reconsider all of these options and gently invite people in. It’s like I’ve had a refresher in the foundational elements of what I do.”

It’s humbling because you’re never too good to go back to the basics.

Jesse, Nurturing Talent

Building Confidence and Skills as a Creative Facilitator

Professional development is not simply about learning technical skills. Adaptability, communication and the confidence to respond when something does not go according to plan are equally important.

That has been a significant area of learning for Jesse:

“I’ve learned that one of the key parts of being a good facilitator is having lots of well thought-out activities under your belt, so when something’s not working with a particular group of people, you’re not stressed and you have options.”

Rather than prescribing one way of working, Nurturing Talent gives emerging artists opportunities to observe, experiment and gradually develop their own approach.

The Role of Collaboration in Creative Practice

One of Jesse’s biggest discoveries so far has been the importance of learning from other artists.

Nurturing Talent brings together practitioners from different disciplines, creating opportunities to exchange ideas and discover techniques that might never otherwise form part of their practice.

“I’m not a musician or an illustrator, but I’m open to the workshop ideas [my peers] bring. I’m learning from other people’s art and I’m starting to feel like collaboration is one of the main [features] of this programme.”

And for Jesse, creativity itself has a significance that extends far beyond developing a career.

“People need to create because through creation is transformation, which allows you to digest people, places and things that you’ve experienced.”

Supporting the Next Generation of Creative Facilitators

As Jesse continues through the 12-month programme, the skills and experiences she develops will become part of her own creative toolkit – helping her grow not only as an artist, but as a facilitator able to create meaningful opportunities for others.

By investing in emerging artists today, Nurturing Talent helps build the skilled, thoughtful and inclusive creative workforce of tomorrow – and enables more people who face barriers to the arts to experience the transformative possibilities of creativity.

One Nurturing Talent bursary is supported by the Charles Lloyd-Jones legacy.

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DOUBLE YOUR DONATION TO SUPPORT YOUNG CARERS

Posted on September 28, 2026 by - News

DOUBLE YOUR DONATION TO SUPPORT YOUNG CARERS

For one week only, your donation to Create can make twice the difference.

From midday on 29 September until midday on 6 October 2026, our charity partner White Stuff will match donations to Create £1 for £1.

That means £10 becomes £20, £25 becomes £50 and £50 becomes £100 – at no extra cost to you.

Together, we’re raising funds to provide creative arts projects for young carers, giving children and young people who spend so much time looking after others dedicated time to focus on themselves.

Double your donation

WHO ARE YOUNG CARERS?

Young carers are children and young people who help care for someone they love. This might be a parent, sibling or other family member living with illness, disability, mental health challenges or addiction.

There are more than 800,000 children and young people with caring responsibilities in the UK. For many, caring is a significant part of everyday life: 51% of young carers provide more than 20 hours of care each week.

These responsibilities can affect other areas of childhood too. 27% of young carers aged 11–15 experience educational difficulties or miss school, while 68% are bullied and feel isolated.

Young carers deserve opportunities to focus on themselves, build friendships and simply enjoy being young.

HOW CREATIVITY SUPPORTS YOUNG CARERS

Create has been working with young carers through the creative arts since 2007.

Our projects provide dedicated time away from caring responsibilities, where young people can explore artforms such as music, dance, photography, filmmaking and visual art alongside Create’s professional artists.

Crucially, they create alongside other young carers – people who understand some of the experiences and responsibilities they face.

As one young carer, Emma, told us after taking part in a Create dance project:

“I met a lot of people who have the same understanding as me and it helped me connect with them. [Children who aren’t carers] don’t understand the struggle, what it’s like to have to look after someone.”

Through creativity, young carers have space to express themselves, develop new skills, build confidence and make connections.

WHAT WILL YOUR DONATION SUPPORT?

Money raised through this campaign will fund creative projects for young carers in the lead-up to Young Carers Action Day in March 2027.

Led by Create’s professional artists, the workshops will give young carers opportunities to explore their creativity, develop new skills and connect with others.

Their work will culminate in a special Young Carers Action Day showcase, giving participants an opportunity to come together and celebrate what they have achieved.

And for seven days, every donation can go twice as far.

£10 becomes £20.
£25 becomes £50.
£50 becomes £100.

DOUBLE YOUR DONATION

From midday on 29 September to midday on 6 October, White Stuff will match donations to Create pound for pound.

Whether you give £10, £25, £50 or more, your donation will help us give young carers time to create, connect and focus on themselves.

Donate during our match funding week and White Stuff will double your donation – for free.

Double your donation

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YOUNG CARERS TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT CHELSEA ARTS FESTIVAL WITH CREATE 

Posted on September 25, 2026 by - News

YOUNG CARERS TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT CHELSEA ARTS FESTIVAL WITH CREATE 

Young carers performing on stage at Chelsea Arts Festival 2026.

Young carers supported by Create took to the stage at Chelsea Arts Festival 2026 this September, performing original music they had created together over the summer.

As the official charity partner of Chelsea Arts Festival 2026, Create joined artists, writers, performers and thinkers for a celebration of creativity across Chelsea.

For us, the partnership was also an opportunity to put our belief that People Need To Create into action.

YOUNG CARERS CREATE AND PERFORM ORIGINAL MUSIC

During August, young carers from Lambeth and Wandsworth came together through inspired:arts, Create’s programme for young carers.

Led by Create musicians Joe and Lydia, the group took part in three workshops exploring percussion, songwriting and themes of friendship and belonging.

Along the way, the young people highlighted “learning new instruments”, “writing songs about who I am” and “making new friends” among their favourite parts of the project.

One young carer, Samuel, shared:

“I really loved making the music with everyone, improvising all the words, the lyrics. It was just so fun. I learnt that you can freestyle whatever lyrics you want.  

I’ve met a few new people and it feels like I’ve had a chance to connect. [Being creative] felt nice and very different to what I’m used to.“

[Projects like these] help young carers open up and meet new people.

Samuel, Young Carer

On Saturday 19 September, they brought their work to the heart of Chelsea, performing live as part of the festival programme.

For young carers, who can have significant responsibilities at home, Create’s projects provide dedicated time to focus on themselves, explore their creativity and build relationships with others who understand some of their experiences.

The Chelsea Arts Festival performances gave the group an opportunity to go one step further: sharing what they had created with a public audience and celebrating their achievements together.

On the day of the performance, one parent shared:

“The fact that [my daughter] was able to join [a project] like this, I think it’s gonna skyrocket her confidence. It already has. It’s enabled her to integrate with other people. And I believe it’s given her a little more purpose and exposed her to things that might spark a creative idea in her mind as to what else she might want to do [in the future].” 

Young carers performing on the street at Chelsea Arts Festival 2026.

CHAMPIONING CREATIVITY AND WELLBEING

Create’s involvement in Chelsea Arts Festival also provided an opportunity to champion why access to creativity matters. 

On Friday 18 September, our Founding Chief Executive Nicky Goulder MBE introduced a conversation between Professor Daisy Fancourt and writer Emma Gannon at Saatchi Gallery. 

Their discussion explored themes at the heart of Create’s work: creativity, health and wellbeing, and the importance of making space for creativity in our lives. 

Reflecting on the partnership, Nicky said: 

“We believe that access to creativity is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Being part of Chelsea Arts Festival has enabled us not only to talk about why creativity matters, but to give young people we work with an opportunity to create, perform and have their work celebrated.” 

Young carers performing on the street at Chelsea Arts Festival 2026.

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH PARTNERSHIP 

Since 2003, Create has worked to ensure that people who face barriers to the arts have opportunities to experience the educational, social and wellbeing benefits of creativity. 

Partnerships like this help us take that message to new audiences, while creating meaningful opportunities for our participants. 

Seeing young carers take their own music from an August workshop to a public stage in Sloane Square was a fitting celebration of exactly why that matters. 

People Need To Create. 

Young carers performing on the street at Chelsea Arts Festival 2026.

With thanks to Chelsea Arts Festival for your partnership and National Lottery Community Fund for funding these projects. 

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Create named finalist for Disability Impact Award at National Charity Today Awards 2026

Posted on September 10, 2026 by - News

Create named finalist for Disability Impact Award at National Charity Today Awards 2026

We are delighted to announce that Create has been named as a finalist for the Disability Impact Award at the National Charity Today Awards 2026.

The Disability Impact Award celebrates organisations and projects that have empowered individuals with disabilities, promoting accessibility, independence and inclusivity.

CREATIVE ARTS PROGRAMMES SUPPORTING DISABLED CHILDREN AND ADULTS

Our nomination recognises Create’s work with disabled children, young people and adults through four of our programmes: creative:connection; creative:tandem; environment:matters; and our:stories.

During 2025/26, we designed and delivered 280 high-quality, tailored, inclusive creative arts workshops with 555 participants through these programmes, creating opportunities for the participants to explore their creativity, develop skills and confidence, connect with others and express themselves, reducing isolation and enhancing wellbeing.

CELEBRATING DISABLED PARTICIPANTS’ CREATIVITY AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Central to our work is ensuring that participants not only have opportunities to be creative, but that their ideas, talents and achievements are seen, heard and celebrated.

In 2025, this included a creative:connection showcase at Manchester Central Library, where 53 disabled and non-disabled students from four schools in Manchester and Salford shared original music that they created with our professional musicians during a week-long residency.

In Lewisham, participants on another creative:connection project contributed artwork to a bespoke smart car vehicle wrap. Their designs were displayed at CarFest South in August 2025 before touring London in November.

Meanwhile, 36 disabled students taking part in our environment:matters programme in Liverpool had the opportunity to showcase their climate crisis-inspired visual artwork at a special red-carpet private view hosted by funder Barnett Waddingham at its office.

These moments provide valuable opportunities for participants to take pride in what they have achieved and for wider audiences to experience and celebrate their creativity and talents.

MAKING THE CREATIVE ARTS ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE

At Create, we believe that everyone should have access to high-quality creative experiences.

Our projects are carefully designed in partnership with the participants, organisations and settings we work with, carefully tailored to the needs and interests of each participant group. Through professional artist-led workshops, participants are given opportunities to experiment with different artforms, express themselves, work collaboratively and discover what they can achieve.

Nicky Goulder MBE, Create’s Founding Chief Executive, said:

“I’m thrilled that Create has been shortlisted for the Disability Impact Award. This recognition celebrates something that is fundamental to our work: ensuring disabled children and adults have access to high-quality creative experiences and opportunities for their creativity to be seen, heard and celebrated. I’m incredibly proud of our participants and everything they have achieved, and hugely grateful to our professional artists, staff, partners and funders who make this work possible.”

We look forward to joining other charities and organisations from across the UK at the National Charity Today Awards Gala Lunch this October. The awards’ finalist communications highlight the event as an opportunity to celebrate work taking place across the UK charity sector.

Congratulations to all this year’s finalists!

Nicky Goulder MBE, Founding Chief Executive

With thanks to Barnett Waddingham, Bruce Wake Charitable Trust, Charles S French Charitable Trust, John Horniman’s Children’s Trust, London Freemasons’ Charity, Merchant Taylors’ Foundation, Octopus Energy Generation, The Simon Rivett-Carnac Trust, smart and The St Paul’s Schools Foundation [via Mercers’ Company] for funding these programmes.

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PRISONERS ON CREATE PROJECTS WIN NINE PRESTIGIOUS KOESTLER AWARDS 2026

Posted on September 2, 2026 by - Stories, News

PRISONERS ON CREATE PROJECTS WIN NINE PRESTIGIOUS KOESTLER AWARDS 2026

We’re delighted to share the news that participants on our prison projects have been recognised with nine Koestler Awards, a huge achievement that celebrates the creative talent of those we work with. 

This year, we’re proud that participants across our Free Inside, Inside Stories and My Parents in Prison projects in County Durham, Surrey and Wolverhampton have been honoured with awards in categories ranging from jewellery-making and music to writing, recording and illustrating original stories for children.

Multiple KOESTLER AwardS for MUSICAL COLLABORATIONS

Our highest accolade this year – a Bronze Award – was awarded to Kaelele, a cover version created by women at HMP & YOI Low Newton during our Free Inside project. This musical work showcases the exceptional collaboration and performance skills developed by participants across four days of intensive workshops. 

The participants also received a Highly Commended Award for their cover version of Country Road, alongside three Commended Awards for their cover versions of Blue Moon, Hallelujah and Lead With Love.

“[The project] helped my happiness and wellbeing. Being part of the [project] has helped my mental health.”

– Participant, Free Inside

hIGHLY COMMENDED KOESTLER AWARDS FOR CREATIVE WRITING AND ILLUSTRATION

Prisoners at HMP Oakwood received two Highly Commended Awards in the arts project category. One went to The Story Never Ends, an original story inspired by their own families, written, illustrated, recorded and then set to music by the participants during our Inside Stories project. 

The second Highly Commended Award went to On the Horizon, a children’s book written and illustrated by participants on our My Parents in Prison project. 

Each of these projects showcase the powerful storytelling, collaboration and emotional insight nurtured through our projects in prison. 

COMMENDED KOESTLER AWARDS FOR CRAFTing excellence

At HMP Send, participants on our Free Inside project received two Commended Awards for jewellery that they created: a Trio of Paper Bead Earrings; and Gold and Pink Bracelet. These awards recognise the skill and talent of the participants, highlighting the importance of creating spaces for everyone to explore their creativity.

It’s important [to be creative] to be part of a community. People can be in their own world and do their own thing [but also] share different ideas.

Participant, Free Inside

At Create, we believe that creativity is a human right. These awards demonstrate the power of the arts to break down barriers, build confidence and allow people to tell their stories in their own words. For people in prison, this opportunity can be life-changing – helping to develop skills and support rehabilitation. 

We’re incredibly proud of all our participants, and extend our thanks to our talented professional artists who led these projects with such care and commitment. 

We would also like to thank Koestler Arts for continuing to champion creativity within prisons, and the many funders and prisons who help make this work possible. 

And finally, a huge congratulations to this year’s Koestler Award winners. Your voices matter, and we’re honoured to help share them with the world. 

Nicky Goulder MBE, Founding Chief Executive

Thank you to an Anonymous donor, Boris Karloff Charitable Foundation, The Christopher and Henry Oldfield Trust, The Edward Cadbury Charitable Trust and Michael & Shirley Hunt Charitable Trust for making this work possible.

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