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
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).
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
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:linksis 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.
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.
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.
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.”
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
There are more than one million carers aged under 18 in the UK and an estimated 600,000 others aged 18 to 25, according to a 2023 Carers Trust study. The study further found that 56% of young carers said the cost-of-living crisis affects them and their family. Our change:matters programme uses the creative arts to upskills young carers about family finances.
In February 2024, Create musician Mike Poyser delivered a music project with young carers in Bromley. Over the course of three days, participants worked together to create pieces of music showcasing what they had learnt about finances.
We spoke to young carer, Avita (13) about her experience on the project and her role as a young carer.
AVITA’S JOURNEY WITH CREATE
Avita’s time with Create has provided her with a much-needed break from her caregiving duties.
“I care for my mum. She has myasthenia gravis, like muscle weaknesses. It’s always ups and downs so I have to take care of her. Sometimes she’ll feel really energetic, but sometimes she won’t be. It’s different every day. And then when I was four, when my brother was born, it got really bad. So, I was looking after my little brother because my mum was always really ill. And my older brother was looking after her. I was changing my little brother’s nappies and I was cleaning him and stuff.”
Through Create’s project Avita has had the opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills.
“I’ve enjoyed that I’ve made some friends and it’s also given me a confidence boost with my music skills. I think this might make me start going to school [music] lessons. Everyone is really nice. It’s quite fun working with other people who I don’t know. Or people in my community. I know that they’re young carers as well, so I know it’s not just me and my brothers who are taking care of parents.”
Avita’s experience with Create has also provided her with financial literacy skills. “I really enjoyed learning about money and the way it works and how much things really cost and just adding it all up. By the end of the year it could cost so much. It’s really expensive, life now! Before, every time we go out, I’d want to get things, but now I realise that every little thing adds up.”
It’s going to help when we’re older, knowing about how things cost, and how to budget.
AVITA
This resonates with the findings of Carers Trust, which highlights the growing concern among young carers regarding financial stability. Their research reveals that 57% of respondents admitted to “always” or “usually” worrying about the cost of living and the continuous increase in expenses.
LIFE AS A YOUNG CARER
“I do get to go out with my friends, but I have lots of things I have to do before I go out. I either clean the house or do dishes or laundry before I leave. If my friends ask me after school ‘can you go out?’, I just say ‘no’, because I know there’s loads of stuff I need to do as well. My friends have a lot of freedom, I don’t. But I do get a bit more freedom now my brother is older.”
“I always ask my friends questions about their life as well. So, my friends don’t really know how to cook. My friend says she eats pot noodles all the time if her parents aren’t home, but me and my brothers always make food. I taught my little brother how to make simple things like cakes. But I’ve really improved my cooking and cleaning skills. I think I have a lot more skills.”
“I feel ok [about my future]. I do like studying quite a bit and I’m quite an independent worker in school. But if I always have to take care of my mum, I feel there’s more to it than that. I might have an opportunity, I might not. “
This project was funded by The Chartered Accountants’ Livery Charity.
Showcasing the creativity of Young carers on YCAD 2024
There are more than one million carers under 18 in the UK and an estimated 600,000 others aged 18 to 25. At least 50,000 children and young people, including 3,000 aged just five to nine, spend 50 hours or more a week looking after ill or disabled family members.
The time young people spend caring can have a devastating impact on their wellbeing, education and future prospects. A 2023 Carers Trust survey of carers aged under 25 found that 33% always or usually struggle to balance caring with school, college or university work. 40% said they don’t get the help they need to balance caring and learning.
Create has been working with young carers for 17 years, giving them some much-needed respite from their responsibilities and helping them build skills, confidence and connections through the creative arts.
We are proud once again to be partnering with Carers Trust for Young Carers Action Day (YCAD). The theme for YCAD 2024 is “Fair Futures for Young Carers”. This year, Carers Trust is launching The Young Carers Covenant, inviting the UK Government, governments in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, councils, businesses and schools to sign a new commitment that aims to transform the lives of young and young adult carers.
People need to create, and through our projects we have been able to see first-hand the profound impact creativity has on the confidence and wellbeing on these young people.
Nicky Goulder, founding CEO of Create
OUR YCAD 2024 PROJECTS
change:matters with Sefton Carers Centre
Young carers explored animation alongside artist Chloe Cooper, resulting in the creation of three captivating animated films.
inspired:arts with Cheshire Young Carers
Young carers delved into the art of photography under the guidance of photographer Louisa Mayman, culminating in an impactful showcase of their favourite photographs.
change:matters with Bromley Well Young Carers
Young carers embarked on a musical journey with musician Mike Poyser, recording two catchy songs infused with financial literacy messages, adding a fun beat to the learning process.
inspired:arts with Carers Trust Hillingdon
Young carers created a puppetry performance with artist Robyn Olivia, crafting a compelling narrative exploring themes of animals and extinction, bringing their imaginative stories to life on stage.
THE IMPACT OF CARING
“I think being a young carer I’ve had quite a different experience to other people my age. 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 who don’t have to take care of their parents that much. 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.” – Daliya
According to research conducted by the Carers Trust (2023), caring often affects the amount of time young carers can spend with their friends. In fact, 40% of young carers and young adult carers reported that their caring responsibilities significantly impact their social interactions. As a result, 26% of young carers feel excluded from their friends’ activities, creating a sense of isolation and disconnection.
“If my friends ask me after school ‘can you go out?’, I just say ‘no’, because I know there’s loads of stuff I need to do as well. My friends have a lot of freedom, but I’d say I don’t. But I do get a bit more freedom now that my brother is older.” – Daliya
“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.”
Daliya
Carers Trust has highlighted the growing concern among young carers about financial stability. Their research revealed that 57% of respondents admitted to “always” or “usually” worrying about the cost of living and the continuous increase in expenses. change:matters is our programme educating and upskilling young carers across the UK on the topic of money and family finances. We spoke to Avita, who shared her experience on the project and being mindful when it comes to spending money.
“I really enjoyed learning about money and the way it works and how much things really cost and just adding it all up. By the end of the year it could cost so much. It’s really expensive, life now! Before, every time we go out, I’d want to get things, but now I realise that every little thing adds up. It’s going to help when we’re older, knowing about how much things cost and how to budget.”
THE YOUNG CARERS ACTION DAY SHOWCASE 2024
Create and Carers Trust are partnering for a special Showcase of artwork made by young carers on four YCAD 2024 projects. The online showcase on the theme “Fair Futures for Young Carers” features animated films, music, photography and puppetry specifically created for YCAD by young people from four carers centres in Cheshire, Sefton and the London Boroughs of Bromley and Hillingdon.
Nicky Goulder, our Founding CEO, said:
“We are proud to partner with Carers Trust again for Young Carers Action Day 2024 to showcase the creativity of young carers. People need to create, and through our projects we have been able to see first-hand the profound impact creativity has on the confidence and wellbeing on these young people. The creative arts have the power to enhance lives, offering hope and inspiration. The theme for this year’s YCAD – “Fair Futures for Young Carers” – couldn’t be more apt. We have clearly seen how creative expression empowers people, enabling individuals to express themselves, share their stories, and envision new possibilities for the future.”
Vicky Morgan, Carers Trust’s Head of Young Carers and Young Adult Carers, said:
“Our partnership with Create is always a highlight of Young Carers Action Day. The way Create’s experts work with young carers to bring out their creativity and offer them a chance to express themselves is great to see. Alongside giving them the chance to make these wonderful creations, the sessions also give young carers a much-needed break from their caring responsibilities. The work this year was exceptional and really brought out our theme of “Fair Futures for Young Carers”. There were definitely some great artists of the future there.”
