Author: communications

MEET ZAINAB – A CREATIVE:TANDEM PARTICIPANT

Posted on May 31, 2024 by - Stories, Blogs

MEET ZAINAB – A CREATIVE:TANDEM PARTICIPANT

A hand holding a weaved artwork in front of a window, taken at a creative:tandem project

Mental ill health in young people can take many forms including eating disorders, OCD, psychosis and severe emotional distress. Conversations around mental health often focus on anxiety and depression, overlooking the complexity of many young people’s experiences.

According to NHS England, around one in five children and young people aged 8-25 are now estimated to have a probable mental health disorder. For those admitted to inpatient mental health services, being away from home and friends can have a huge impact on confidence and wellbeing.

Create’s creative:tandem programme works with children and young people admitted to mental health units due to serious conditions, providing them with opportunities for self-expression, creativity and connection through the arts.

Colourful paintings of fruit on a piece of white paper with green and orange masking tape bordering the paper. Taken at a creative:tandem project

Losing your sense of self

Zainab* (14) took part in visual art workshops at the SLAM Bethlem Adolescent Unit, an inpatient service supporting young people with a range of mental health challenges including eating disorders, OCD and psychosis.

She described how mental illness affected her confidence and ability to engage with the things she once enjoyed:

“I’ve been in SLAM Bethlem Adolescent Unit for three to four months. My mental illness has stopped me from speaking up or participating in things I enjoy. You get cut off from your hobbies when you’re unwell.”

For many young people experiencing severe mental ill health, this loss of identity and routine can be deeply isolating.

A black and white ink painting on a piece of paper that depicts an 8 snooker ball, and other graphics, taken at a creative:tandem project.

Finding freedom through creativity

During the project, participants explored collage, painting and clay work with Create artist Renata Minoldo.

“On this project we’ve been making collages with different materials, painting and building with clay. The collages were my favourite. I used pieces of text, flowers and butterflies on top of different wallpaper designs, and that looked really pretty. It felt nice to put the piece on my wall.” 

For Zainab, creativity became a way to feel calmer and more open:

“Creativity is good for your mental health. makes you feel more free and relaxed. And it broadens your mind.” 

Getting to know that artistic side of yourself can be very freeing.

Zainab, creative:tandem

Research increasingly supports the link between creativity and wellbeing. The World Health Organization’s Collaborating Centre for Arts & Health, directed by Daisy Fancourt, has highlighted evidence that arts engagement can support mental health, reduce stress and anxiety, improve social connection and even help reduce pressure on health services.

The importance of making together

As well as supporting self-expression, group creative activities can help reduce feelings of isolation by encouraging conversation, collaboration and shared experiences:

“We’ve been talking to each other, sharing our ideas, our artwork and finding inspiration.”

For young people in inpatient settings, opportunities for meaningful social interaction can be limited. Zainab explained why projects like creative:tandem are so valuable:

“This project is really good for patients, because there’s not much stuff going on in the ward.  Group activities like these can be helpful and they boost your mental wellbeing. ”

You can focus on an art project and really lose yourself in it. And I think that being able to lose yourself is a wonderful thing.

Zainab, creative:tandem

Why this work matters

Mental wellbeing is about far more than the absence of illness. It is about connection, confidence, identity and feeling able to participate in life.

Through projects like creative:tandem, young people experiencing significant mental ill health are given space to express themselves creatively, connect with others and rediscover parts of themselves beyond their illness.

*Name changed to protect anonymity

Thank you to London Freemasons’ Charity and Prudence Trust for funding this project.

Two pieces of white paper folded into cards, with outlines of plants that have been printed on using blue orange and black ink, taken at a creative:tandem project.

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HOW CREATIVITY SUPPORTS MENTAL WELLBEING AND REDUCES ISOLATION

Posted on May 31, 2024 by - Stories, Blogs

HOW CREATIVITY SUPPORTS MENTAL WELLBEING AND REDUCES ISOLATION

Mental ill health in later life is often closely linked with loneliness and isolation. Nearly one million older people in the UK are frequently lonely, while the number of adults aged over 50 experiencing chronic loneliness is projected to rise significantly in coming years.

For older adults living with dementia or long-term mental health conditions, isolation can have a serious impact on wellbeing, confidence and cognitive health. In fact, prolonged loneliness is associated with a 49%-60% higher risk of developing dementia. At the same time, research increasingly shows that meaningful social connection and creative engagement can play an important role in supporting mental wellbeing and quality of life.

Create’s art:links programme works with vulnerable older adults with dementia or other age-related challenges, providing opportunities to connect, express themselves and engage creatively alongside our professional artists.

Reducing isolation through creativity

At Chamberlain House Dementia Resource Centre (CHDRC) in Kensington & Chelsea, participants took part in our art:links music project led by Create musician John Webb.

Support worker Begoña explained:

“CHDRC is a day centre where service users come to reduce the isolation [they feel] at home.”

“The majority have dementia; [others] have mental health problems like schizophrenia and depression. They have very complex needs.”

Many participants face significant cognitive and emotional challenges, which can make traditional group activities difficult to facilitate. Music offered a different kind of connection.

Music, memory and emotional connection

During the workshops, participants collaborated to compose and perform their own song based around the theme of “hobbies”.

“They did amazing work. All of them shared their ideas and experiences, and [this was] reflected in the finished song.”

“When they sang their part, you could tell how proud they were.”

Research shows that music can support memory, communication and emotional wellbeing in people living with dementia, often helping participants reconnect with memories and emotions that can otherwise feel difficult to access.

Begoña saw this impact firsthand:

“As soon as John plays songs, the group follow the tune and sing.”

They become emotional with good memories.

Begoña, Care worker at CHDRC

The importance of feeling connected

One of the most significant impacts of creative group activities is the opportunity they create for social connection.

Loneliness is strongly associated with poorer mental and physical health outcomes, including depression and cognitive decline. Shared creative experiences can help break down barriers, creating moments of joy, confidence and belonging.

Showcasing their hard work to loved ones at the end of the project created moments of pride and collective joy. Begoña shared some of these reflections:

“In the sharing event, the daughter of [a service user] said ‘My mum was so happy!’. 

“Another family friend said of a different service user ‘Look at her, she’s [been] smiling all the time!’ She was so proud of her.

“One service user said, ‘Coming here, I’m not alone, like at home’. It was very special.”

Why creativity matters

Projects like art:links show that creativity can offer far more than entertainment for older adults.

Through music and shared creative experiences, participants are supported to express themselves, connect with others and experience moments of confidence, joy and recognition.

As Begoña reflected:

“[These projects] help very much because [they] bring out the best in us.”

Thank you to City Bridge Foundation and The Headley Trust for funding this project.

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Meet ASTRID AND Wren, young carerS from BURY

Posted on May 28, 2024 by - Stories

Meet ASTRID AND Wren, young carerS from BURY

Since establishing Create’s Manchester hub in 2021, we have expanded our programmes across the North West of England, with 21% of all Create projects now taking place across this region. During the 2024 February half term , Create artist Ben Mellow led an inspired:arts drama project with young carers in Bury.

This provided young carers with a valuable opportunity to take a break from their caring responsibilities, have fun, learn new skills, build relationships, and express themselves creatively.

We spoke to Astrid (10) and Wren (9), who participated in the project.

astrid

“I started being a young carer at the end of 2022 for my mother with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. My dad has autism and ADHD. I help my mum and learned self-care from a young age. My life is different because my mum’s disability limits outings. When younger, other kids went places with parents, and I wondered why I couldn’t have that. I get anxious when separated from my parents and worried about going far from home.

“It was good to do something creative because I’m not creative. [During the Create project] we’ve been learning the performing arts and we’ve created images on stage. I enjoyed learning about what it’s like being at a theatre. I felt quite comfortable on the stage doing the acting because I felt safe and in the space with all our friends.

“I think these projects help young carers because they get you out of your comfort zone, and they help you try different types of art and performances. It’s good to do because some people can find something new that they like or find a new skill that they might have been hiding. And it’s fun to meet other people as well. I learnt that I can be more comfortable around people and more comfortable asking for things and asking questions.”

wren

“I started being a young carer when I was seven because my mum and my brother need quite a lot of support. My mum can’t do stuff by herself, and my brother has [severe] autism. Once I was off school for a week because I had a really bad stomach ache about how my mum was going to cope with my brother. I don’t normally do things like this because I get separation anxiety away from my mum, due to how much she struggles.

“[Projects like this] help young carers. We get to meet new people that we may have never seen before and express ourselves and our feelings. This week we’ve been working together as a team and we worked on the loop station to create soundscapes. I’ve enjoyed that we get to meet new people. At first it was bit nerve wracking, but as time went on it just got a bit easier. I started off not really understanding how to communicate with other people that I’ve never met, but then I got better and better with communicating. The [rest of the group] were really nice and were really fun to work with. They came up with really good ideas.

MEET LARISSA, A FREE INSIDE PARTICIPANT FROM DURHAM

Posted on May 28, 2024 by - Stories

MEET LARISSA, A FREE INSIDE PARTICIPANT FROM DURHAM

Free Inside is our multi-artform programme working with women in prison. Each project provides the participants with a rare chance to be creative and express themselves while improving their social skills and wellbeing.

In March 2024, women in HMP Low Newton’s PIPE Unit took part in photography workshops with our professional photographer Alejandra Carles-Tolra.

Larissa, who has been in prison for 15 years, shared her experience of the project.

LEARNING SOMETHING NEW

“We learned about photography and used a digital camera to create photos. I’ve not done anything like this before. I didn’t realise there was more to a camera than to just point and shoot. But we used light, abstract, colours and shapes to create photos. I understand now there’s more than a click and a flash to a camera.

“I wanted to do the project as I’ve always had an interest in photography. I think photos are precious. To be able to have this opportunity after being in prison for so long has been fabulous. To actually hold a digital camera and to know you can create a picture that will tell a story is amazing.”

BUILDING CONFIDENCE

“At the start I was really unsure and I lacked confidence. Using the camera was challenging. I have been in prison for so long now and technology changes, so I wasn’t used to it. But now I feel more confident and more able to take creative lead. I am so glad I decided to push myself, as I enjoyed the whole experience and we were able to create some amazing photography. It’s been brilliant.

The best thing about the project was working as part of a team. We were a really good team. I’ve learnt that I can work in a group confidently and positively. And I can put myself out of my comfort zone.

THE POWER OF CREATIVITY

“Everybody should be able to be creative and find [their] own creative side (everyone has one!). The opportunity to find that is phenomenal. And now, oh my [goodness], I feel so happy! Amazed! Proud! It makes you feel free. To create the work we’ve made takes you away from prison. I’ve been in prison for so long – I’ve done 15 years and my first parole is not until 2038 – but doing this, you forget where you are. I never thought I would have this in prison.

“It’s important as it gives us an opportunity to come together and work as a team. And this is something we could pick up as a job or a hobby after we get out. Or something to give us a new community. It gives us confidence.”

An exhibition of photographs from the project is going on show alongside the one-woman theatre show, ‘Surrender’ at The Arcola in London (19/06/24-13/07/24) and the Edinburgh Fringe (08/24).

* Name changed to protect anonymity

MEET PAM, AN ADULT CARER FROM sefton

Posted on May 28, 2024 by - Stories

MEET PAM, AN ADULT CARER FROM sefton

creative:voices is Create’s multi-artform programme that enables adult carers to take a creative break from their caring responsibilities, build trusting relationships with their peers and develop communication skills, new interests and confidence.

According to Carers UK, 47% of carers said they needed more breaks or time off from caring.

For five weeks in May and June 2023, carers from Sefton took part in a mosaic project with Create’s professional artist Ruth Dillon. Pam (65) told us about her experience.

Pam’s caring story

“I cared for my husband and my mum, but my mum’s died now. She was 95 and had dementia for 18 years. My husband died in 2012. I do feel now the emptiness that they’ve gone. You think you’ll never laugh again but you do. I do have my moments but I’m looking back and thinking “how did I manage all of that?”.”

working with create

“We learnt about the [colour] spectrum, using colours in a certain way, which I’ve never thought of when I’ve done artwork. I’ve just sort of thrown myself into it, so that was different. Then, we went onto model making which was just lovely. Same with this mosaic. I just feel so pleased with what I’ve done. I made a hen and it’s my pride and joy on my mantlepiece at the moment.

“I do need motivation at times so this project has given me encouragement. It’s forced me in a good way. I’ve learnt not be afraid to have a go.

I’ve enjoyed everything – meeting everybody, the atmosphere, the format, the social aspect, and the fact that it’s quality projects we’re making. I can appreciate and feel good about it. I’ve got something to keep and look back on.

“I’ve bonded with the group and you wonder about them some weeks when they’ve not turned up. We help each other and share ideas. We plod on and maybe inspire each other to some point.”

THE JOY OF CREATING

“While I’ve been doing things here, I forget about all the other things going on in my life.”

“It’s just a lovely thing. It’s something that only you have done and you take ownership of it. I’d recommend it to anybody! You’ll be surprised at how good the work is. Everybody’s work is very pleasing.”

meet helen, an art:links participant from westminster

Posted on April 29, 2024 by - Stories

meet helen, an art:links participant from westminster

Research conducted by the National Institute on Aging found that involvement in creative activities among older adults correlates with a range of positive outcomes, including improved cognitive function, memory, self-esteem, reduced stress levels, and increased social interaction.

art:links is Create’s creative arts programme for vulnerable older people, enabling them to express themselves, connect with others, build skills and enhance their overall wellbeing.

Between January and March 2024, older adults who attend Age UK Westminster took part in a visual art project led by Create artist Sam Haynes.  

Helen shared her experiences.

LEARNING NEW SKILLS

“[The project] has introduced me to new skills I didn’t have. I’m not a creative person, so I came to learn and it’s been fascinating. I love seeing new things and how to create things, so it’s widened my knowledge.

It was very inspirational. It opened my own mind to different things, which I think is so important.

HELEN

“You can get very stuck in your ways, and very closed in, but I think in this stage of life you still want to learn things and it’s lovely to learn new skills.

meeting new people

“I love meeting new people. Just as much as I’ve learnt from the team here, I’ve also learnt from the other people taking part. I really enjoyed that. I tried to sit next to different people, because you engage with them and you watch how they approach art, and that’s where you learn. Art is very much open to interpretation, and we all have a different slant. There are quite a number of very local people that I now pass in the street and we engage in conversation, so it’s quite inclusive.

It’s just been so lovely seeing all the different artistic flairs.

helen

“I haven’t had the best of health in the last six months, and I found that living at home on my own, it’s been nice to re-engage with people. And the decoupage is something I know I will continue with at home. I’ve already bought the glues and paints.

This project was supported in London by The Charity of Sir Richard Whittington (via The Mercers’ Company) and City Bridge Foundation.

Our work with older people

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MEET OWAIN, AN ART:LINKS PARTICIPANT FROM MERTON

Posted on April 29, 2024 by - Stories

MEET OWAIN, AN ART:LINKS PARTICIPANT FROM MERTON

According to research conducted by University College London, engagement in arts groups can have positive effects on wellbeing in later stages of life. These effects include heightened life satisfaction, a strengthened sense of purpose, and reduced feelings of loneliness.

art:links is Create’s creative arts programme with vulnerable older people. It enables participants to build skills and confidence, express themselves, connect with others, and enhance their overall wellbeing.

During February and March 2024, members of Merton Dementia Hub participated in a visual art project led by Create artist Alisa Ruzavina.

Owain shared his first-hand experience of the project.

You need to be creative; it opens the mind. It means your mind is not asleep. In other words, it’s mind blowing.

owain

“I’ve done artwork before, but my skills have always been more practical. “I definitely feel more confident. I feel I’m in charge here, like I’m back in the good old days. I’ve enjoyed all of it.

 “I definitely feel more connected to the others here. I wouldn’t know anybody around here otherwise, so it’s helped me engage with people. You get to know people’s quirks, what makes them special. We’ve all got quirks. For some people here, this is the only time they get to go anywhere outside of their home.”

I enjoy coming up here, and I always look forward to it

owain

This project was supported in London by The Charity of Sir Richard Whittington (via The Mercers’ Company), City Bridge Foundation and Wimbledon Foundation  Community Fund.

Our work with older people

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MEET YVONNE, AN ART:LINKS PARTICIPANT FROM ISLINGTON

Posted on April 29, 2024 by - Stories

MEET YVONNE, AN ART:LINKS PARTICIPANT FROM ISLINGTON

The UK has an ageing population. Research from The Baring Foundation highlights that many older adults face various challenges such as loneliness, health and financial issues. These can become a barrier for older adults to engage in social and creative activities that are beneficial for their health and happiness.

To help overcome these challenges, Create designed art:links, a programme that uses the creative arts to enable older adults to build skills and confidence, and reduce isolation. art:links gives participants a chance to express themselves, make connections with others, and enhance their wellbeing.

During September and October 2023, members of Age UK Islington took part in an improvisation project led by Create’s drama artist.

We caught up with Yvonne to hear about her experience.

access to creativity

“I don’t normally do creative activities. If there’s a cost, I won’t be able to do it. But this [project] was free: because I’m connected with Age UK, I was able to.”

Age UK’s research highlights the financial concerns among older adults, with 91% expressing worries about the cost of living. This financial strain has led many to reduce social activities and hobbies, impacting mental wellbeing.

enhanced wellbeing

“I really enjoyed it, and 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.

I enjoyed having some place to go to take myself.

YVONNE

“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.

meeting new people

“It was nice watching everybody else. I get a bit nervous when I’m put on the spot. But watching everyone else and knowing whatever I said was not going to be criticised or right or wrong was very helpful. It made me want to participate.

“I don’t have a lot of physical seeing people. I do have online telephone meet ups, but to get up and get out has been a nice activity. You get a chance to interact with other people with separate lifestyles. Sometimes you want to talk and sometimes you don’t. But either way, you’ve met people.”

This project was supported in London by The Charity of Sir Richard Whittington (via The Mercers’ Company) and City Bridge Foundation.

Our work with older people

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MEET MILLY, A YOUNG CARER FROM SOUTHWARK

Posted on March 30, 2024 by - Blogs, Stories

MEET MILLY, A YOUNG CARER FROM SOUTHWARK

Young carers from Southwark participated in our art:space dance project with Create dancer Georgie Mizu. Developed in 2007 in partnership with British Land, art:space was our first project with young carers and has been running for 17 years. The project continues to give young carers vital time to do something for themselves and a way to express themselves through the creative arts.  

Young carer Milly shared her experiences with us.

BEING CREATIVE

Everybody has a spark of creativeness deep-down, and it can come out at any time.

Milly

“I don’t always get to be creative at home, but at art:space I’ve been able to show my creativity through dance. There are so many different variations of dance, beyond what I knew before. This project has let me explore silk dancing, choreography, and music.

“I’ve also had the chance to listen and learn from other people’s ideas and work with others to create something incredible!”

BUILDING CONFIDENCE

“We’ve created choreography which we’re going to perform in front of our parents.”

I’ve loved being a part of building the choreography. I’ve got to create something of my own to add to the group dances.

MILLY

“Working with Georgie and Joe [Create artists] has been so lovely, I could really relate to Georgie as she felt like an older version of me! I’d love to work with them again.”

SHOWING EMOTION

You can make someone happy by dancing. There are certain dances that can change a mood, an emotion, or how someone is feeling. It’s inspiring.

Milly

“I feel so happy and calm when I dance; it lets me truly be creative and express myself. I hope other people can be inspired by our dances and seeing me follow my dreams performing on stage.”

This project is funded by British Land

Meet Daliya, a young carer from BARNET

Posted on March 30, 2024 by - Blogs, Stories

Meet Daliya, a young carer from BARNET

During October half term in 2023, Create artist Renata Minoldo led a visual art project with young carers in Barnet. This enabled the young carers to take a break from their caring responsibilities, have fun, learn new skills, build relationships and express themselves.

We spoke to Daliya (12), a young carer from Barnet who took part in the project.

THE IMPACT OF BEING A YOUNG CARER

According to research conducted by Carers Trust (2023), caring often affects the amount of time young carers can spend with their friends. In fact, 40% of young and young adult carers reported that their caring responsibilities significantly impact their social interactions. As a result, 26% of them feel excluded from their friends’ activities, creating a sense of isolation and disconnection.

Create’s projects give young carers the opportunity to connect with others and explore their creativity and self-expression in high-quality creative arts workshops led by our professional artists.

Daliya’S STORY

“My mum has dermatomyositis and it makes it really difficult to walk and she’ll get tired really easily. She has breathing problems and muscle problems as well. So, probably about the time I was 10, I started taking care of her a lot. And I always help her in day-to-day stuff, for example doing the laundry, because it will be quite difficult for her to do it.

I think being a young carer I’ve had quite a different experience to other people my age.

DALIYA

“You have much more responsibility to take care of your parent. And then on top of that you have school work and then you also have to think of yourself. So, it’s a big impact compared to other people my age. If we have homework to do, I have to have that free time to do so, but most of the time I’m taking care of my mum. Sometimes I can be quite difficult.

“But it’s also such a great thing. You’ve learnt something like a chore that’s quite difficult to do at a certain age. So, it’s really great to learn those skills. And I feel like I have a mindset to my future.”

DOING CREATE PROJECTS

“We’ve been creating jewellery and using fabric and different materials. It was nice because I got to use my creativity and imagination. I’ve learnt a lot about using different materials and I’ve learnt wirework as well. I found that I am really good at imagination and learning colour combinations. And I’m really good at remembering things so next time I’ll remember how to do it. I was really happy with what I made. I was actually quite proud of myself.

“I do creative things very rarely. Before I joined Barnet Young Carers, I didn’t really have materials to do arts and crafts. Barnet Young Carers help me quite a lot.”

“The (Create) projects help carers especially in the half term. Instead of sitting at home, we can go out and about, socialise with others. Instead of sitting at home, we can be here doing different activities and having fun.”

“I’ve loved to socialise with other people and share our ideas. It was nice because you can talk to other people, you can have fun. We got to communicate and if someone needed help we could go and help them. I learnt that if we’re stuck it’s ok to ask others for help.”

This project was funded by Sarah Jane Leigh Charitable Trust