Author: communications

JOY, BELONGING AND A BREAK FROM RESPONSIBILITY: WHAT CREATIVITY MEANS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE 

Posted on December 17, 2025 by - Stories, Blogs

JOY, BELONGING AND A BREAK FROM RESPONSIBILITY: WHAT CREATIVITY MEANS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE 

Young people with disabilities taking part in a dance workshop as part of our community:matters programme. They are holding red and orange fabric in the air.

For many young people, the festive period isn’t just sparkle and celebration. Children in care, disabled young people and young carers often face additional pressures, from feelings of isolation to daily responsibilities far beyond their years.

At a time of year that celebrates family and joy, it can be easy to forget that not all children get the chance simply to be children. That’s why creative opportunities matter – not just at Christmas, but all year round.  

Thanks to our supporters, we’re able to deliver high-quality creative programmes that offer marginalised children the freedom to explore, express and connect. In 2025, our programmes have supported nearly 1,000 children across the UK. Below, three participants reflect on what that experience has meant to them. 

Feathers and fabric layered aroud flowers in the grass.

Confidence and connection for care-experienced young people 

Emily* (16) took part in music workshops in Bolton through our:voices, a Create programme with children in care and care leavers. Working with our professional musician Matt Dunn, the group composed original music, played covers and built confidence together: 

“I feel great. A lot more confident. Everyone’s very kind and we work well together. The project is really refreshing and it gets you out of the house. I feel brighter. [Being creative] is important because it really lets you open up as a person and you can become more positive.” 

Having been in care for eight years, Emily shared how the project gave her a chance to connect with others who understand: 

“Sometimes when you’re in care you can struggle to make friends because you can feel a bit down.” 

“But [in projects like these] you meet other people” in your situation and you have a fun time with them.”

EMILY, OUR:VOICES participant

CREATIVE FREEDOM FOR YOUNG CARERS 

Evelyn* (13) cares for her younger sister who has autism, a constant responsibility that leaves limited time for herself. Over three days in April 2025, our musician Filipe Sousa delivered inspired:arts music workshops with young carers at Bromley Well Young Carers Centre. Through the project, Evelyn had the chance to step away from those responsibilities and focus on creativity:

“We’ve made lots of songs and discovered different ways to make them. I’ve liked playing guitar and bass because they’re [my favourites] and working in a group to create an actual piece has been really enjoyable. 

Young carers playing guitars and ukuleles as part of an inspired:arts music workshop.

Evelyn also reflected on the difficulties of being a young carer: 

“Sometimes I have to be really careful what I say around [my sister] and I have to help her if she has a meltdown, especially if we’re not with our parents. I have to keep an extra eye out for her, especially because she’s younger than me. I always have her on my mind thinking, ‘is she okay?’ 

“Lots of young carers may not get the opportunity to do stuff like this.” 

“These projects give them a chance to have something to focus on and they don’t have to worry about who they care for.”

EVELYN, INSPIRED:aRTS PARTICIPANT

Exploring expression for disabled young people 

Jay* (25) took part in our community:matters programme at Brent Mencap, which supports disabled young people through inclusive, participant-led creative workshops. The programme empowers participants to build social and communication skills in safe, joyful environments. 

Young people with disabilities taking part in a dance workshop as part of our community:matters programme.

During the project, Jay joined a three-day dance and visual storytelling workshop led by our professional dancer, Paul Smethhurst: 

“We did the tent dance. And then we did some drawing [of our own islands]. I drew the beach. [I was] making textures and going to new places.” 

For Jay, the opportunity to be part of a creative team helped build connection and confidence: 

It made me feel happy and excited.

jay, community:matters PARTICIPANT

“It warmed up the body and made me feel full of energy. I enjoyed working in a team and meeting new people and seeing old friends. It makes me feel welcome.” 

Why it matters – and how you can help 

Creative arts offer young people the chance to express themselves, explore new ideas and build community. For those facing additional challenges – such as the responsibility of being a carer, the instability of the care system, or the exclusion that can come with disability – these opportunities can be life-changing. 

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

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

Donate now to our Christmas campaign.  

Thank you to John Lyon’s Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund for funding these projects. 

*Names changed to protect anonymity. 

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

Posted on December 16, 2025 by - Stories, Blogs

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

Older adults taking part in a creative writing art:links project.

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

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

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

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

Rediscovering Confidence and Joy Through Writing 

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

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

Older adults taking part in a creative writing art:links project.

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

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

“Some of my mischief is coming back!” 

Jenn , CREATIVE:VOICES participant

New beginnings, new connections 

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

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

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

Myrium, ART:LINKS PARTICIPANT

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

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

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

Adult carers taking part in a creative:voices creative writing project.

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

” I think we will be good friends.”

MOLLY, INSPIRED:ARTS PARTICIPANT

The reality of Christmas for many 

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

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

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

Work created by adult carers in a creative writing creative:voices project.

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

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

Donate now to our Christmas campaign.  

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

*Names changed to protect anonymity. 

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Meet Molly and Hannah – Young carers from Bolton  

Posted on December 9, 2025 by - Stories, Blogs

Meet Molly and Hannah – Young carers from Bolton  

Young carers on a visual arts workshop, trying out photography, in a green park.

Every day across the UK, thousands of young carers like Molly and Hannah take on extraordinary responsibilities. They help their siblings manage medications, cook meals when their parents are at work, navigate challenging behaviour and often put other’s needs before their own to support a loved one. Many are as young as five. Most juggle school, home life and caregiving with little time or space to simply be children. 

That’s where inspired:arts comes in. inspired:arts is our multi-artform programme for young carers, providing free, high-quality creative workshops that offer them respite, joy and the chance to connect with others who understand their experience. 

Over three days in August 2025, Create artist Laura-Kate Pontefract delivered visual art workshops with young carers at the Bolton Lads and Girls Club.   

We spoke to sisters Molly* (nine) and Hannah* (12) – both young carers – about their time on the project. 

A creative space just for them 

Photographs by young carers laid out on a table.

Both Molly and Hannah care for their older sister, who has autism and ADHD: 

“When our mum’s at work, I take care of both [my sisters], even though I’m the middle child.”, shared Hannah. 

“We can’t do everything that a normal family should. When we go out, there’s always an argument or one of us ends up getting hurt because she gets angry at [us].” 

For Hannah, the project was more than just a break from routine – it was a space for her to explore her own creativity and open up: 

“[We all] painted together. It’s been fun and you get to use your imagination.” 

“You get to talk to people who understand you.”

HANNAH, inspired:arts participant

Feeling pride through creativity 

Molly found joy in trying new techniques and building confidence through art: 

“Normally I just do colouring, so I feel proud and I’m grateful and surprised that I’ve done this!” 

She also reflected on how the workshops helped to break down barriers with other young carers: 

“This project has made me connect more to people because I’ve shared my kindness and friendship with them.” 

” I think we will be good friends.”

MOLLY, INSPIRED:ARTS PARTICIPANT

Understanding you are not alone 

Reflecting on her experience as a young carer, Hannah spoke about how the project shifted her perspective on her own life: 

Artwork by young carers laid out on a park wall.

“Before my sister got diagnosed, I used to think that I had a mean sister. After coming here, I understand it’s not just my family that’s like this and it’s not always her fault.” 

“It’s helped open my eyes and see I’m not alone in this.”

Hannah, inspired:arts participant

Why this work matters 

Young carers are often isolated, overwhelmed and overlooked. In England, over 800,000 children are estimated to be caring for a family member. Many go unrecognised, missing out on childhood experiences and facing increased risks to their mental health and education, 

We believe they deserve better. 

Through inspired:arts, we aim to give these young people the creative tools, confidence and connections that allow them to thrive. 

Thank you to the Society of the Holy Child Jesus for funding this project. 

*Names changed for anonymity.

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Growing creative confidence – reflections from Create’s Nurturing Talent Programme

Posted on November 30, 2025 by - Stories, Blogs

Growing creative confidence – reflections from Create’s Nurturing Talent Programme

How do you learn to lead creative workshops in complex community settings with older people living with dementia, disabled children, young carers and other groups of vulnerable children and adults? For emerging artists on Create’s Nurturing Talent programme, the answer is: by doing, reflecting and growing.

Each year, Nurturing Talent supports six emerging artists to gain hands-on facilitation experience within high-quality arts workshops across a range of community groups. Over the 12 months, participants shadow our experienced professional artists, attend expert-led training sessions and develop the skills they need to co-create inclusive, empowering creative workshops with confidence.

We spoke to Caroline (textiles) and Zhaolin (puppetry and drama), from the 2025/26 cohort, who shared what they’ve learned – and how they’ve grown so far.

Building confidence with new communities

For Caroline, one of the most valuable parts of the programme has been working with participant groups that she hadn’t encountered before and learning to adapt with confidence:

“It gave me the opportunity to grow my confidence in working with different groups.”

Caroline – nurturing talent

“I’ve learnt to trust myself a bit more, that I can handle things that get thrown at [me] in a workshop setting. You never really know what’s going to happen!”

It isn’t just about responding in the moment – Caroline is appreciating seeing how our artists carefully reflect and evolve their plans to meet participants’ needs:

“It’s been really impressive to see how the artists develop their plans and reflect after each stage, to make sure it follows the participants’ interests and allows them the space to create as much as possible.”

Nurturing Talent cohort 25/26 taking part in a training day.

Planning with purpose

Zhaolin came to the programme with experience in delivering linear workshops – but through the programme has been introduced to a new approach to developing a project:

“I always saw my workshops like a storyline: we go here, then there. But working with Create’s artists [has] shown me a different way — more like creating different spots on a map, and letting participants draw the lines between them.”

“It’s a whole new way of thinking.”

Zhaolin – nurturing talent

This shift has led to a deeper awareness of creative decision-making and how to centre the participants’ experience in every moment:

“Now I’m thinking about the aims of each step. What’s the outcome? What happens if there’s a different energy in the room? How will my response impact the participants?”

Learning by doing

Both artists have reflected on the nerves of a first session, and how observing and supporting our professional artists has helped them to build their facilitation toolkit.

“There’s always that moment where I feel quite nervous,” said Caroline, “when participants first arrive and don’t know each other. But I’ve learnt so much from seeing how artists create warm, welcoming spaces and build trust.”

Caroline shared: “It’s been such a rewarding experience — not just creatively, but personally too.”

Zhaolin agreed that putting participants first, and designing workshops with space for improvisation, has been one of the programme’s biggest takeaways:

I really enjoy thinking about how to put the participant experience as the priority. That mindset, combined with flexibility, makes a huge difference.

Zhaolin – Nurturing talent

A Platform for progress

The Nurturing Talent programme offers both training and workshop experience, and a springboard for future opportunities. Many past participants have developed the skills and confidence to join our professional artist pool and lead projects themselves.

With a bursary, mentoring and practical development sessions – including safeguarding, and trauma informed practice – the programme is structured to support the participants to build confidence, leadership and facilitation skills across artforms and communities.

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Meet Lucianne, Nurturing Talent 2025/26

Posted on November 30, 2025 by - Stories, Blogs

Meet LUCIANNe, nurturing talent 2025/26

Lucianne on the Nurturing Talent programme.

Nurturing Talent is Create’s 12-month. part-time professional development programme for emerging artists. Now in its 10th year, the scheme was developed in consultation with our artists. In 2025/26, it is upskilling six emerging artists from a range of disciplines, providing them with training and experience to develop their creative workshop facilitation in diverse and challenging settings. Ultimately, it aims to upskill them to deliver high quality creative workshops with those who need these most.

We spoke with Lucianne,  Warrington/Manchester based multidisciplinary textile artist. She shared with us how the programme is influencing her facilitation and artistic skills.

JOINING NURTURING TALENT

After graduating, Lucianne dived straight into freelance facilitation. But Nurturing Talent offered something new: the chance to grow her practice alongside experienced artists in more complex community settings:

“Since I graduated, I went straight into freelance workshop facilitation, mainly around sustainable textiles – mending, weaving with scrap fabrics, darning and collaborative banners and patchworks.

[Nurturing Talent has] been absolutely lovely. Every artist that I’ve worked with so far has been really supportive, friendly and approachable. There’s never been a situation I’ve been in where I felt uncomfortable or that I didn’t know what was going on.”

LEARNING FROM NURTURING TALENT

Nurturing Talent provides emerging artists with a rare opportunity: to gain hands-on workshop facilitation experience with diverse groups of participants, while being mentored and supported. For Lucianne, this has meant expanding both her creative toolkit and her confidence:

“I’ve learned so much doing this already.”

Lucianne – nurturing talent

“For example, I had never thought about the concept of warm-up activities [in workshops]. Since being here and doing these training [days], I’ve realised how valuable [these] are and I’ve started incorporating that into my own practice.

“I also didn’t realise the extent to which you have to be adaptable and flexible, and how that varies between different groups. That’s a learning curve.

Lucianna also shared how the programme has deepened her belief in the value of creativity – not just for others, but also for herself.

“You really have to believe in your artform, and believe that it is something that is beneficial to other people. A big part of that is you experiencing the benefit of it, and I’ve had first-hand experience of [my practice] as an expressive outlet for wellbeing.

“That’s why I am very passionate about sharing that with other people. ”

“Patience is [important] as well, approaching things holistically and compassionately.”

Lucianne – nurturing talent

THE IMPORTANCE OF CREATIVITY

Lucianna shares our belief here at Create that creativity shouldn’t be a luxury:

“People need to create because it’s essential to being human. There are so many things you can do on your laptop, but that’s [not the same as] really creating something. When you go into a museum, you’re looking at things, whether it’s cave art or pots, that have been created, and that’s something that we can’t afford to lose.”

Lucianne on the Nurturing Talent programme.

SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION

Since its launch in 2015, Nurturing Talent has supported almost 60 emerging professional artists to build the skills, confidence and adaptability needed to lead workshops in diverse communities. Many graduates from the programme have gone on to join our artist pool and to develop their own socially engaged practices across the UK.

As Lucianne’s journey shows, the programme is about more than just professional development – it’s about building compassionate, confident artists who are ready to share their creativity with the people who need it most.

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Londoners celebrate reveal of their artistic creations on smart x Create ‘art car’  

Posted on November 24, 2025 by - News

Londoners celebrate reveal of their artistic creations on smart x Create ‘art car’  

Adult carers from creative:voices standing with the smart X Create car

On Friday 21 November, three groups of participants across London, who took part in a national creative programme run by the charity Create, celebrated the artwork they created for a car by global automotive brand smart. 

Adult carers in the City of London, young carers in Enfield, and mainstream and special needs primary school children in Lewisham came together in these three locations, joined by local council representatives, to see their own art displayed on an electric car made by the manufacturer. The artwork was created in workshops run by Create, a national charity empowering lives through the creative arts. 

Earlier this year, the participants took part in a first-of-its kind project, creating artwork to be displayed on smart’s cars. A series of workshops, led by Create’s visual artists on the theme Open Your Mind, encouraged participants to express themselves freely while building skills, connections, and confidence.  Each individual piece was carefully curated into a vibrant, large-scale collage, which was transformed into a bespoke vehicle wrap that now adorns award-winning smart #1 and #3 electric vehicles. The resulting ‘art cars’ are a bold celebration of collective creativity and the positive impact of the arts. 

On 21 November, each group of participants saw for the first time one of the cars that their artwork helped to decorate, during a big reveal, while celebrating their achievements. In Lewisham, Councillor Jacq Paschoud attended in her role as Civic Mayor and Speaker of the Council, together with Deputy Young mayor Jimaine Lee and Morgan Seward, the Chair of the Champions of Inclusion group. 

Nicky Goulder MBE, Founding Chief Executive of Create, said: “This celebration is a wonderful showcase of the power of creativity. The artistic output of people taking part in Create’s creative workshops is the engine of the whole project, and the passion that fuelled their creations is evident in the brilliant artwork covering smart’s ‘art cars’.”

The unveiling of the car to the participants for the first time is a celebration both of their individual talents and how creativity can bring people together. 

NICKY GOULDER, CREATE CEO

Jason Allbutt, CEO, smart UK, said: “Create’s incredible charity work aligns perfectly with smart’s ‘Open Your Mind’ ethos, aiming to help people to live their lives to the fullest through the power of positivity, creativity and inclusion. We have been delighted with the reception which the #1 and #3 art cars have received to date, and can’t wait for the participants themselves to see the results in person.” 

A 10-year-old participant from Forster Park Primary School in Lewisham spoke about their experience on the project: 

Working with people and creating things felt good. Creativity is important because you can learn new skills. You might make new friends and learnt about what people do. 

creative:connection participant

An 85-year-old participant from Imago Community, a Carers Support Service in the City of London, said: “I enjoyed the experience of screen printing and the happy moment of it, the success. This project has been very inspiring. I can’t imagine life without creativity. Creativity, music, having friends – it forms a package for your reason to be alive.” 

LONDON GRAPHIC CENTRE CHOOSES CREATE AS FIRST-EVER CHARITY PARTNER 

Posted on November 19, 2025 by - News

LONDON GRAPHIC CENTRE CHOOSES CREATE AS FIRST-EVER CHARITY PARTNER 

A partnership logo between London Graphic Centre and Create. White text on red background

We’re thrilled to announce a brand-new partnership between Create and London Graphic Centre (LGC). As LGC’s first-ever official charity partner, this collaboration will open up exciting new opportunities to champion the power of creativity and support some of the most isolated and vulnerable children and adults across the UK. 

cREATIVITY WITH A PURPOSE 

At Create, we believe in the life-enhancing impact of creativity, and this belief is reflected in LGC’s mission to support artists and makers at every level. Our shared commitment to creativity, community and accessibility makes this partnership a natural fit. 

Together, we’ll be working to raise funds that enable more free, high-quality creative arts workshops for people who need them most including disabled people, vulnerable children, young and adult carers, and older adults facing isolation.

“We are delighted to be partnering with London Graphic Centre, a company that helps artists and creatives unlock their creativity. Its support will enable Create to expand access to the power of the creative arts to the most isolated and vulnerable people in our society, bringing joy, new skills, connection and enhanced wellbeing.” – Nicky Goulder MBE, Founding Chief Executive, Create. 

Making it easy to support 

From 10 November 2025, LGC customers are able to support Create’s work directly when shopping in-store. Donation points are located at tills, offering a simple way to make a difference. 

Every donation – no matter the amount – will help fund creative programmes that build confidence, improve mental wellbeing, reduce isolation and give participants a platform to express themselves. 

“We’re thrilled to support Create and help bring the transformative power of creativity to more people. It’s a cause that truly resonates with everything we stand for at London Graphic Centre.”

Michael Want, Chief Operating Officer, LGC. 

A Creative collaboration 

This partnership marks the beginning of an exciting journey: one that celebrates art not just as a form of expression, but as a powerful tool for connection, empowerment and healing. 

We’re grateful to LGC for choosing to support our mission and for championing a more creative, connected society. 

Customers can start donating in-store at London Graphic Centre from 10 November 2025. 

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A chance to be themselves: how National Lottery funding is supporting young carers through creativity 

Posted on November 17, 2025 by - Stories, Blogs

A chance To be themselves: how national lottery funding is supporting young carers through creativity 

Young carers on a National Lottery Community Fund funded filmmaking project.

Across the UK, thousands of young people are quietly taking on adult responsibilities – cooking, cleaning and providing emotional support to family members who are disabled, ill or have additional needs. Many of these young carers juggle their caring roles alongside school and growing up, often with little time or space to just be kids. 

Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, Create’s inspired:arts programme is giving young carers across the UK a vital opportunity: time for themselves, a space to be creative, and the chance to connect with others who share similar experiences.

In Nottingham and Waltham Forest, young carers recently took part in creative workshops led by professional artists, exploring film and music. We spoke with Dawn (11), Emily (10), and Nathan (13), who shared their experiences on the projects. 

Creativity as confidence 

For Dawn (11) and Emily (10), taking part in a three-day filmmaking project with Create filmmaker, Jay Amin, was a chance to try something new, build confidence and meet other young people with similar experience. 

Young carers on a National Lottery Community Fund funded filmmaking project.

“We’ve made a news report and nature documentary,” said Dawn. “It made me more confident using different techniques… and I’ve made new friends!” 

“Before this, I couldn’t use a camera whatsoever,” Emily added. “Now I can! Not every child gets to make a film. It made me proud.” 

Dawn, who cares for two siblings and a parent with complex needs, reflected on how rare these opportunities are: 

“I love doing art, but I don’t get to do much because I have to care for my brother and sister. ” 

“Projects like these let young carers be themselves for a few days. They don’t have to hide it all away. 

DAWN, inspired:arts participant

Learning through music 

In Waltham Forest, 13-year-old Nathan joined a music project led by Create musician, Joe Steele. Over three days, young carers composed songs together using drums, keyboards, ukuleles and their voices. 

“We had lots of different talents, so [making music] was easy. We were able to do a lot in a short space of time. The most important thing I’ve learned is how to work with other people. Before, I normally just used my own ideas, but we were combining our suggestions. That was the most important thing.” 

For Nathan, who cares for his mother, the workshops offered a meaningful break from responsibility: 

“Sometimes it gets overwhelming.” 

“Coming here lets me be with others in the same situation. We’re struggling the same way, and that builds connection.” 

NATHAN, INSPIRED:ARTS PARTICIPANT

He also recognised the long-term benefits of creative thinking: 

“If you’re not working your brain, it’s not going to be as creative. Creativity boosts your intelligence because your brain is learning new things.” 

Young carers on a National Lottery Community Fund funded music project.

Small moments, big impact 

At Create, we believe that creativity is a right, not a luxury – especially for young carers, who are often overlooked and overburdened. With the help of the National Lottery Community Fund , we’ve been able to run inspired:arts projects across the country, offering more young carers a break, a creative outlet and a sense of belonging.

“These projects give young carers something to focus on,” said Dawn. “They don’t have to worry about who they care for.” 

“You can relax, focus and just have fun,” added Nathan. “And enjoy being with other children — because we don’t really get a lot of time for ourselves.” 

Thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund. Your support helps fund projects like inspired:arts that give young carers a much-needed opportunity to feel proud, confident and creative. 

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CREATING SPACE FOR YOUNG CARERS: A NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH HAMMERSMITH & FULHAM COUNCIL 

Posted on November 10, 2025 by - Stories, Blogs

CREATING SPACE FOR YOUNG CARERS: A NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH HAMMERSMITH & FULHAM COUNCIL 

Young carers taking part in a filmmaking workshop, gathered around a camera, watching their footage back.

This summer, Create was delighted to launch a new partnership with Hammersmith & Fulham Council, offering young carers in the borough vital time and space to be creative. Delivered through our inspired:arts programme, these multi-artform projects gave participants the chance to explore new artforms, express themselves, and connect with others – all while taking a much-needed break from their caring responsibilities. 

With generous support from John Lyon’s Charity, young carers took part in drama and filmmaking workshops, delivered by Create’s professional artists Darren Cheek and Jay Amin. The sessions focused on building confidence, communication, and creativity – and the impact was clear. 

A space where they just get to be a child 

Letoria, a member of H&F Council staff, saw the power of the drama workshops firsthand: 

“It’s been a good few days for them to meet new people and other young carers. Because they’re caring after family members for so much of their day, it’s important that they’re in a space where they just get to be a child – just free and not thinking about what’s going on at home.” 

She highlighted how the project helped the young carers build confidence and friendships: 

Young carers taking part in a filmmaking workshop, gathered around a laptop, watching their footage back.

“Everyone used their creativity and was able to use their imagination in their own kind of way. I’ve seen their personalities go from really quiet to more open, merging with peers and being more vocal in their presentation and coming out of their shell. 

“If anyone needs a break, it’s young carers. It’s very important that there is good funding to provide a variety of activities [for them].” 

Letoria, community partner

Telling stories through film 

In July, participants explored photography and filmmaking, culminating in the creation of a short film inspired by the theme of “heroes.” For 15-year-old Jayden, this was a powerful and eye-opening experience: 

“We’ve been studying the art of film and photography. I’ve enjoyed working with the camera, because I haven’t done that before. It’s a nice experience. 

Young carers taking part in a filmmaking workshop, gathered around a laptop, watching their footage back.

“I’m proud of what we made. It was a bit tough [collaborating with others] at first, but we pulled together and managed to make a very good film” 

Jayden, who cares for his mother, shared how rare it was to access projects like this: 

“I don’t have many opportunities to do [activities like this]. New experiences can free the mind and inspire you to do something else. [Being creative] felt relieving. Projects like this help young carers get out into the world.” 

“Projects like this help young carers get out into the world.” 

JAYDEN, INSPIRED:ARTS PARTICIPANT

Why this work matters 

Across the UK, there are an estimated 800,000 young carers – children and teenagers who take on practical and emotional care for a parent, sibling or other loved one. Many of these young people struggle with isolation, mental health challenges and barriers to education. 

That’s why Create’s work with young carers is so essential. Our projects give them a break from responsibility, a chance to explore their identity, and a safe, joyful space to be themselves. 

This work was made possible thanks to the generous support of John Lyon’s Charity. 

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Creating Connection Through Stories: Jamie’s Journey on My Parent’s in Prison

Posted on October 29, 2025 by - Stories, Blogs

Creating Connection Through Stories: Jamie’s Journey on My Parent’s in Prison

Artwork from the My Parent's In Prison project. Creating connection through writing and illustrating stories.

At Create, we believe that creativity has the power to bridge distance and heal relationships – even in the most difficult circumstances.

My Parent’s in Prison is Create’s unique project working with parents in prison to write and illustrate storybooks for their children. Led by our professional artists, the programme helps participants develop creative writing and visual art skills, while giving them a powerful way to stay connected with their children.

In August 2025, Create artists Carol Topolski and Chloe Cooper delivered a week-long project at HMP Oakwood. Jamie* (48), one of the participants, spoke to us about what the project meant to him.

Artwork from the My Parent's In Prison project. Creating connection through writing and illustrating stories.

Building Skills and Community Through Art

“This week we’ve been creating a character and bringing the story to life. At the beginning, I wasn’t enjoying it, but in the days after, I enjoyed it more and more. It’s something new.”

Jamie, who has previously experience with landscape painting, found a new outlet in collage and storytelling:

“As a landscape artist myself, doing this collage is something different that I’ve learned to add to my skills.”

Just as importantly, the project created a calm and welcoming environment where participants could support each other:

“We’ve connected [well] because of the way we’ve united and come together. We talk with each other, and everybody’s calm and respectful. ”

[Usually] I’m a loner, but even though I’ve had lots of people around me [during the project], my anxiety level is really low.

Jamie, MY PARENT’S IN PRISON Participant

Prison can be a difficult place for mental health, but Jamie found that creative expression helped:

“Here you can relax, come with your ideas. In the future, I’m going to create my own little art thing to help people with their mental health. I want to give back to the community.”

CREATING STORIES FOR CHILDREN

Through the programme, Jamie began writing and illustrating a story for his children – something deeply personal and meaningful:

“I tell [my children] about my story on the phone. I don’t want to give away the story – you can’t spoil the masterpiece! ”

It’s good for them to see that even though you’re in prison, you’re thinking about them, making a book for them.

Jamie, MY PARENT’S IN PRISON Participant

The experience allowed Jamie to reflect on his own childhood and the emotional weight of being a parent while incarcerated:

“When I was a child, I was busy trying to stay alive. That’s why it gets me emotional to think about my kids. Because I never had things like this. You could never think of doing things like this in the ghetto growing up.

“It breaks my heart that I’m supposed to be there looking after them, not in prison. So [here] I can give back something to make them feel proud. If we can do things like this and I don’t feel like a worthless dad, it helps me.”

Artwork from the My Parent's In Prison project. Creating connection through writing and illustrating stories.

Thank You to Our Funders

This programme is possible thanks to the generous support of The Leigh Trust, The Boris Karloff Charitable Foundation, and The Michael and Shirley Hunt Charitable Trust.

With your help, parents like Jamie are building confidence, developing new skills, and strengthening their relationships with their children – all through the transformative power of creativity.

*Names have been changed to protect anonymity

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