Author: communications

smart x Create: Art Car Collaboration Celebrates the Power of Creativity

Posted on August 27, 2025 by - News

smart x Create: Art Car Collaboration Celebrates the Power of Creativity

At Create, we know that creativity can change lives. It can spark confidence, bring people together, and provide a vital outlet for self-expression – especially for those who may not always have access to the arts.

That’s why we were so thrilled to collaborate with smart UK on a unique project that brings creativity into the spotlight – and onto the streets.

Earlier this year, with funding from smart, we delivered a series of visual art workshops in communities across the country. These sessions were part of a nationwide project exploring the theme ‘Open Your Mind’, inviting participants to reflect on what openness, imagination and self-expression mean to them.

Led by our professional artists, the workshops focused on painting, drawing and collage. Each participant – whether a young carer, disabled adult, or someone experiencing isolation – had the opportunity to create original artwork in a supportive, inclusive space. These creative moments were more than just artmaking; they were chances to be heard, to collaborate and to explore new possibilities.

“Create’s partnership with smart is a wonderful showcase of the power of creativity. It is fuelled by the creative output of people taking part in our workshops, who poured their talent and passion into creating the artwork covering the art cars.”

Nicky Goulder MBE, Founding CEO of Create

Each individual piece was then carefully collated into a vibrant, large-scale collage—transformed into a bespoke vehicle wrap that now adorns the award-winning smart #1 and #3 electric vehicles. The resulting ‘art cars’ are a bold celebration of individuality, collective creativity, and the positive impact of the arts.

This is more than just a visual collaboration – it’s a celebration of the communities we work with every day. People who are often overlooked or underserved by traditional arts opportunities were given the space, tools and encouragement to create something powerful. And now, their creativity will be seen by thousands.

“We’re proud to have partnered with Create to support this incredible work. Our smart x Create livery proudly demonstrates the value of artistic freedom and the power of creativity.”

Jason Allbutt, CEO of smart UK

The smart x Create art cars were on public display at CarFest South from 22–24 August 2025, offering a chance for visitors to see the final artworks up close and learn more about the story behind them.

The project stands as a moving example of what can happen when the private sector and the charity world come together with a shared purpose: to make creativity more accessible, more visible and more valued.

We are deeply grateful to smart UK for championing our mission, and to every participant who took part in the workshops and contributed their creative voice to this one-of-a-kind collaboration.

create week 2025: a celebration of creativity

Posted on July 31, 2025 by - Blogs, Stories

create week 2025: a celebration of creativity

#CreateWeek artworks made by the Dawn team

As July comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the creativity, collaboration and enthusiasm that defined Create Week 2025.

From 1-7 July, thousands of people across the UK (and beyond!) joined Create’s celebration of the creative arts. Whether collaging abstract landscapes, writing monologues inspired by imagined spaces, or building puppets out of cereal boxes, people of all ages and abilities came together to explore the power of creativity.

highlights from the week

seven free activities

Each day featured a new creative invitation, designed by our professional Create artists and spanning artforms from song-writing and collage to puppetry and filmmaking. The activities were accessible, easy to do at home and celebrated the idea that everyone is creative.

We were delighted to receive pictures, videos and reflections from people who took part and we’re so grateful to everyone who shared their work with us. One #CreateWeek participant shared:

taking part in the activities helped me to clear my head after a busy day

(You can still send your works to communications@createarts.org.uk or tag us using #CreateWeek!)

collaborating with white stuff and harrow carers

A huge shout-out to White Stuff who, under the guidance of Create artist Alba, teamed up with carers from Harrow to create a striking, hand-crafted window display celebrating Create Week. This unique collaboration gave unpaid carers the opportunity to step away from their responsibilities, connect with others and showcase their creativity. The display brought colour, care and creativity to the high street – and lots of smiles to passers- by! One of the carers involved shared:

“The window dressing experience was a journey of joy for us carers… thank you so much Harrow Carers! Create have a wonderful team & employ the most talented, experienced & encouraging artists like Alba… whose vision, direction & guidance was enlightening and deeply fulfilling. She was a total pleasure to work with…“

The window dressing experience has created many precious memories to treasure for ever. A big ‘Thank you‘ to all involved!

Organisations Across the UK Got Involved

From local charities and schools to national networks, organisations embraced the spirit of Create Week. Whether running group sessions, encouraging customers and colleagues to take part or sharing the word online, we were inspired by how many people celebrated creativity with us.

Some groups even built entire events around the Create Week resources, bringing people together to draw, weave and share their experiences in powerful and personal ways. One of our partners, Dawn, got involved in our Day 1 drawing activity during their monthly team social, sharing an incredible collection of works made by staff! Members of the team shared their experience:

It was fun to spend time as a team being creative outside of work! Just enjoying the process and the calm that came with it was lovely, it’s rare I get to have a crafty evening like that. It felt really refreshing to slow down, do something with my hands and chat with colleagues in a relaxed setting.

Alice milner, senior designer

“Being creative and removing yourself from technology allows you to feel free and think differently. It allows the team to relax away from the pressure of deadlines and have a laugh together. It created a team spirit with a lot of praise being passed around for everyone’s efforts.” – David O’Hearns, Managing Director

Why Create Week Matters

At Create, our vision is of a  society in which everyone has access to the educational, social and life-enriching benefits of the creative arts. We believe that creativity is a fundamental human need, not a luxury. Whether you’re a young carer, an older adult living with dementia or simply someone looking to reconnect with your imagination, through creativity, we create space to explore our emotions, build confidence and support our wellbeing.

Thank You

Create Week 2025 would not have been possible without our talented artists, dedicated partners, generous funders and – most importantly – everyone who took part. Whether you created quietly at home, shared your work online or helped spread the word, thank you for helping us make this a week to remember.

If you didn’t get a chance to finish all seven activities, you can still download these for free at createweek.org and follow along on YouTube. It’s never too late to get creative!

Let’s keep creating, connecting and celebrating – all year round.

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Create Week tackles unequal access to creativity

Posted on July 1, 2025 by - News

Create Week tackles unequal access to creativity

  • Organisations and individuals across the UK are signing up to Create Week, a campaign expanding access to the creative arts.
  • Multiple recent reports reveal a crisis in the UK’s creative sector. Funding for the arts is decreasing, and access remains highly unequal across gender, ethnicity, and social class.
  • Initiated by the charity Create, Create Week is encouraging mass participation in creativity by providing free creative activities designed by professional artists.
  • Between 1-7 July, everyone can experience the benefits of creativity and help raise awareness of the importance of access to the creative arts by using the hashtag #CreateWeek.

7 days, 7 ways to get creative

What if, for one week, we all took the time to be creative? Create Week allows everyone to experience first-hand the benefits of the creative arts.

The concept is simple: Every day, people are encouraged to try a different form of creativity. Activities range from mindful drawing and song-writing to collage and filmmaking. All have been devised by Create’s professional artists. Activities are available both via step-by-step written instructions and via video. All are available free of charge.

Everyone can join the celebration of creativity online and help raise awareness of the importance of creativity by using the hashtag #CreateWeek.

The looming creativity crisis

Despite decades of research demonstrating that creativity is essential to personal and societal wellbeing, the UK is facing a crisis of access to the creative arts:

Create Week brings creativity to everyone

Create Week is a celebration of creativity, founded on the belief that people need to create and that everyone should have access to the life-enhancing power of the arts.

Charities, companies and other organisations are recognising the importance of this issue and getting involved. A list of organisations already supporting the campaign is on the Create Week site.

What Create Week supporters say

Actor, comedian and author Isy Suttie, a Create Week Champion, said:

“What I love about Create week is that it’s so easy to do, and there’s no wrong way of doing it: the joy is in the process. Create Week demonstrates perfectly the ethos at the heart of Create as a charity: it celebrates the importance of creativity in an ever-changing world, and the fact that anyone can have a go. Everyone should have the right to escape by creating, and sharing your achievements is a fantastic way of showing others the power and peace creativity can bring. I always think the hardest bit is starting something, so just do it!”

Novelist Esther Freud, a Create Week Champion, said:

“How wonderful to be encouraged to be creative. There is nothing that soothes and inspires us more than making something, expressing ourselves, learning a new craft. Create does such important work. We need them. And now we have a whole week to focus on our creative selves. Even a few minutes a day makes a difference.”

Nicky Goulder MBE, Founding CEO of Create, said:

“We all need creativity to thrive. Being creative is a fundamental human need, an absolute necessity for wellbeing and growth. At Create, we provide free creative arts experiences across the UK for people facing challenges in their lives, all led by our professional artists. Create Week gives everyone a chance to experience the joy of creating through seven activities, devised by our artists, that can be done wherever you are. Our dream is a world in which everyone benefits from access to the power of the creative arts. Create Week brings that dream a bit closer to reality.”

Get involved

Visit createweek.org to find out more and get creative.

Creativity That Connects Us

Posted on July 1, 2025 by - Blogs, Stories

Creativity That Connects Us

At Create, we see every day how creativity has the power to connect, uplift and inspire. Whether it’s through drama, music or photography, our projects provide meaningful opportunities for self-expression, discovery and joy. This month, we’re shining a light on some of the people behind those moments – participants, community partners and volunteers – and the transformations that can happen.

A Space to Grow and Express

For Arin*, an 11-year-old participant on our community:matters project with Salusbury World, photography became a new language for self-expression.

“I mostly learnt how to express myself with a camera, without words,” he said. “It was fun working together. Sometimes we were quietly doing our own work, and sometimes we were just having fun.”

Beyond the creative skills, Arin reflected on his wellbeing:

“[The project] made me quite happy. I think it has benefited my mental health.”

Connection Through Creativity

Carmen* (58), who joined our creative:engagement project for older adults living with dementia and poor mental health, found that participating in creative workshops opened the door to connection – both with others and herself:

It’s nice to share stories. It’s just a joy really. I really look forward to these sessions.

She also noted the therapeutic value of making art:

“[Creativity] takes your mind off things. And you concentrate on what you’re doing. It’s very good for [your] mental health. Because you’re just being creative with your hands.”

The Power of Play and Participation

For Teddy*, a young participant on our creative:tandem circus project at a CAMHS unit in Manchester, the project offered more than just fun. It was a chance to build confidence, joy and connection through learning new skills.

We spoke with activity coordinator Abin, who shared how this project benefited Teddy:

“He was really enthusiastic. He could juggle three balls and even tried the unicycle. He was interactive in every session.”

Abin added: “This project gives more connection between people. It’s also good for the connection between colleagues and the patients. I loved it too.”

A Volunteer’s View

Volunteers Fiona and Brian from Octopus Energy joined our environment:matters visual art project at Ridgeway School, working with schoolchildren with special educational needs.

Fiona shared:

“Each of the children contributed what they were able to. Some fish [sculptures] were quite simple, others really elaborate!”

Brian reflected on the creativity he saw in action:

“Art is an expression of people’s imagination. I think [the participants’ creativity] coming out in these different artforms is really good for them. It helps them to communicate some of their thoughts.”

Fiona agreed:

Sometimes in doing something more creative, more tactile, you’re using your thoughts, and that leads to being able to express yourself better.

The Impact of Creativity

Whether you’re a young carer, an older adult living with dementia or a teenager navigating mental health challenges, creativity offers a way to be seen, to connect and to thrive – 82 % of UK adults report that engaging in the arts helped them feel more connected to others, emphasising that creative expression isn’t a luxury, but a necessity for wellbeing.

*Names have been changed to protect anonymity.

Thank you to our funders Ashurst, John Lyon’s Charity, Octopus Energy and The Prudence Trust.

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Create CEO Nicky Goulder receives MBE in ceremony at Buckingham Palace

Posted on June 30, 2025 by - News, Blogs

Create CEO Nicky Goulder receives MBE in ceremony at Buckingham Palace

We are proud to share that, last week, our Founding Chief Executive Nicky Goulder officially received her MBE from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal at an Investiture Ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Nicky was awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours List 2025 in recognition of “services to Disadvantaged People and to Charity” including her tireless work to expand access to the creative arts for the most vulnerable people in our society.

The Ceremony, which took place on 26 June 2025, recognised Nicky’s extensive charity work, most importantly the impact that she has had in leading Create over more than two decades since she started the charity in 2003.

Commenting on the occasion and the story of Create, Nicky says:

“I founded Create in the belief that everyone should have access to the life-enhancing power of the creative arts, and I am humbled and deeply honoured to receive this award in recognition of the impact that we are making. I would like to thank everyone who has been part of Create’s journey over the years including our talented staff, professional artists and Trustees, and our dedicated partners and funders. Above all, I would like to recognise the tens of thousands of participants who we’ve had the privilege of working with. They motivate and inspire me every day. Access to the creative arts fosters self-expression, builds skills and confidence and reduces isolation.”

“It is a privilege to lead an organisation that brings so much joy, connection, and positive change to the lives of those who need it most. I am looking forward to expanding our reach into the future so that many more lives can be touched.”

Nicky Goulder MBE, Founding CEO of Create

Since Nicky founded Create in 2003 the charity has delivered 16,000 workshops with more than 48,500 vulnerable children and adults across the UK. The work has been recognised with 132 awards since 2012, including Charity Times Charity of the Year 2020. In October 2024, Create was awarded a prestigious Mental Health Award, recognising the importance and value of creativity for wellbeing.

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

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

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MEET ANNETTE: A CREATIVE:VOICES PARTICIPANT

Posted on June 30, 2025 by - Blogs, Stories

MEET ANNETTE: A CREATIVE:VOICES PARTICIPANT

creative:voices is Create’s multi-artform project for adult carers, designed to offer creative respite and enable participants to explore new artforms in a supportive environment. Between February and April 2025, Create artist Liz Jackson led a series of visual art workshops at Enfield Carers Centre, where carers had the opportunity to experiment with a wide range of materials, from collage to clay. We spoke to Annette (64), one of the participants, about how creativity has helped her reconnect with herself.

Finding joy in creative discovery

Each week brought new materials, new techniques and, for Annette, new opportunities to learn and play:

“Today we were focusing on collage and using a variety of patterns and textures that we created beforehand. It was very freestyle, which I thought was good fun, so everybody ended up with something completely different.”

The workshops encouraged participants to move beyond their usual comfort zone:

“I really enjoyed using images from magazines – it’s not something I would normally do. I had never used FIMO [clay] before and I made a pendant and a brooch. I also loved stitching onto a postcard and I think I will utilise that in my own work at some point.”

No matter the activity, Annette found herself drawn in:

Every session I think ‘oh my goodness, this is so interesting, it’s so fun’. Whatever it is I’m doing I’m completely engrossed.

Balancing caring and self-care

Annette cares for her teenage son, who has autism. After leaving her career in teaching to focus on his needs, her role as a carer became a full-time responsibility:

“[Being a carer] has totally changed my lifestyle. I knew that I would need to be more on hand for him and the pressures of teaching were becoming too much in combination with what was going on at home.”

Making space to reconnect

Taking part in creative:voices offered something vital for Annette – time and space just for herself:

“Having [the opportunity] to come to these sessions – it’s like protected time. When I’m at home it’s very difficult to carve out that time but it’s something I’m going to be doing going forward.”

Creativity became more than just a distraction – it was a source of wellbeing and meaningful social connections:

When I’m being creative, it’s about just losing myself in what I’m doing, so I can’t think too much about things that might be bothering me or even really worrying me.

“I really enjoy being around other people. I actually enjoy being in an art ‘space’ with other people. The social aspect is what’s really important to me.”

The impact of creativity

For Annette, the workshops were not just enjoyable: they were vital:

“I couldn’t praise [these sessions] highly enough. These kinds of projects are just essential.”

This project was funded by the Smiles Fund via Comic Relief and Walkers.

WHY CREATIVITY MATTERS: VOICES FROM OUR COMMUNITY

Posted on June 30, 2025 by - Blogs, Stories

WHY CREATIVITY MATTERS: VOICES FROM OUR COMMUNITY

At Create, we understand that creativity isn’t just a pastime – it’s a powerful tool for building confidence, connection and self-expression. In the UK, research shows that people who engage in arts or crafts activities report greater life satisfaction. As we gear up to launch Create Week tomorrow (1 July), we’re excited to share stories from our community showcasing how creativity transforms lives.

Empowering SEND Students Through Sustainable Art

For four days in March, students at Ridgeway School in Bedford took part in our environment:matters programme. Working with Create artist Liz Jackson and volunteers from Octopus Energy they explored sustainability through art. Teacher Penny saw first-hand how creativity helped her students thrive:

“They’ve had a chance to work with materials and processes they probably haven’t used before. They’ve all been proud of their achievements and supportive of each other. A couple of them don’t like getting messy, but they’ve thrown themselves into it!”

For Penny, creative projects are especially vital in special needs schools:

“It’s hard for a lot of our students to achieve in a lot of areas, but they can all do amazing work in art. We wouldn’t have been able to afford this ourselves – schools are terribly strapped for cash.”

It’s amazing that people will fund these kinds of projects. The students just get so much out of it.

penny, community partner

Building Financial Awareness Behind Bars

In June, Aidan*, a prisoner at HMP Oakwood, joined Inside Change, our creative financial literacy project. Over four days, he explored topics like debt and budgeting while building confidence through creativity:

“It was definitely eye-opening. I didn’t realise how easy it is to fall into a financial trap. I’ve learnt that I can be creative. I’m nearly 40 years of age and I haven’t done anything like this. I suppose I’ve learnt that if you put your mind to something, you can do it.”

He also reflected on the value of the project for his wellbeing:

“Prison can be a very lonely, depressing place. This brought a bit of normality. I was actually looking forward to coming – which is weird. Normally I just stick to my routine, but I really enjoyed it.”

Finding Joy and Expression in Later Life

Between February and April, Joy took part in our art:links creative writing programme for older adults in Haringey. Led by Create artist Bryony Littlefair, the workshops offered a welcome outlet for Joy’s imagination and a chance to connect with others.

“We’ve written about everything from memories to dreams. I’ve done a lot of writing over the years, but it’s more stimulating to work in a group.”

Creativity helps you switch off the things that are bothering you in your day-to-day life.”

Joy, art:links participant

In a survey of 2,000 UK adults nearly 47% of respondents said that taking up a new hobby benefits their mental health. Over 21% said creative activities help them feel relaxed and 20% reported a boost in confidence and self-esteem.

*Name changed to protect anonymity

These projects were funded by: The Charity of Sir Richard Whittington [via the Mercers’ Company], City Bridge Foundation and Octopus Energy Generation.

MEET AMARA: A FREE INSIDE PARTICIPANT

Posted on May 31, 2025 by - Blogs, Stories

MEET AMARA: A FREE INSIDE PARTICIPANT

Free Inside is Create’s multi-artform programme working within Psychologically Informed Planned Environment (PIPE) units in women’s prisons.

Research shows that prisoners taking part in arts-based programmes experienced improved wellbeing, communication and motivation, with many reporting that the projects had a lasting impact on their confidence and ability to cope with prison life.

For six days in January 2025, Create artist Xanthe delivered a mural painting workshop with residents at His Majesty’s Prison (HMP), supported by Nurturing Talent emerging artist Eli.

We spoke to Amara* about her experience on the project.

GAINING SKILLS AND SELF-BELIEF

Like many participants, Amara began the week unsure of her own ability, but finished with a renewed sense of self.

“When I heard that we had the opportunity to do a mural for the PIPE corridor and to work with some artists, I was really intrigued and decided to participate in this project.”

“I am a modest artist myself, but still sometimes I don’t feel confident making art. But [the Create team] made me feel at ease and actually helped me out a lot, and taught me a few things about art. That did help with my confidence.”

I was proud to see my artwork being admired, but also proud of the others because each piece was amazing.

SUPPORTING EACH OTHER THROUGH ART

The project also helped to strengthen bonds among residents, many of whom had never tried anything like this before.

“It was sweet for the other PIPE residents that had no confidence at all to be reassured by the Create crew. It was nice to see everyone giving it a go and sharing ideas and we all supported each other.”

We should do more of [these kinds] of workshops. It really helps [build] teamwork, self-confidence and belonging.

ART FOR WELLBEING

Amara shared how creativity supported her wellbeing during her time inside:

“I love art because it’s so therapeutic and enjoyable. When in prison, it’s a good distraction.”

“I really enjoyed painting; it was so relaxed and you could really see the mural coming alive. And the end result was amazingly beautiful. When [I] look at it, I feel relaxed and content. I think it brightens the place up.”

“I feel more confident in myself and this project will be part of my good memories.”

Amara’s experience is a powerful reminder of how creativity can build confidence, community and calm, even in more challenging environments.

*Name changed to protect anonymity

The Impact of Arts in Prison

Posted on May 31, 2025 by - Blogs, Stories

The Impact of Arts in Prison

Across the UK, prisons are exploring the role that creativity can play in rehabilitation and wellbeing. With research showing that arts programmes in prisons reduce reoffending, boost confidence and support mental health, it’s clear that creativity can offer a powerful route to transformation.

Inside Change is Create’s arts and financial literacy programme for prisoners, combining creativity with practical life skills. In March 2025, participants at His Majesty’s Prison and Young Offender Institution (HMP/YOI) took part in a radio drama project led by professional artist James. Over three weeks, they explored financial themes such as budgeting and debt, through the process of writing, performing and producing their own radio plays.

We spoke to three participants – Helen, Ciara and Riley* – about what the experience meant to them.

LEARNING THROUGH CREATIVITY

For many participants, the sessions helped to break down complex topics like loans and mortgages into something they could fully engage with.

“We’ve learnt about money and debt management skills, and we’ve created a radio play about crime,” said Helen.

“James [taught] us about mortgages and how they work, loans, how much you’ve got to pay back and how you work it out,” Ciara added. “I learnt a lot.”

The group even designed their own business ideas to put their learning into practice. Riley explained:

“We worked out the costs and benefits of [building] a Botox business. James [made] blueprint paperwork on the direct costs, the indirect costs … how much we’d earn and then how much we’d put into the business, for the building, the staff, the hospitality.”

The group appreciated the life relevance of what they were learning:

It’s been life skills-oriented as well, which is good

CIARA, INSIDE CHANGE participant

UNEXPECTED CONFIDENCE

Trying something new – especially in front of others – wasn’t easy for everyone. But the process helped participants build confidence in themselves and one another:

“The biggest challenge for me was going on the microphone,” said Helen. “In the first week, I was refusing, but now [the Create team] have got us all on it. It was fun.”

Riley, too, found herself growing through the project:

“It’s something different and you learn something new. I really enjoyed it. I liked writing the scripts and talking on the microphone.”

IT’S BUILT UP MY CONFIDENCE A LOT

RILEy, INSIDE CHANGE participant

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER PRISON

For all three women, the value of the project extended far beyond the workshop room. They saw how the skills they were developing could support them in the future, from budgeting to communication.

“This project could benefit me in the future,” said Riley. “You never know, I could go into a new job and need these skills that I didn’t know I needed, and now I’ve got them.”

Helen echoed that sentiment: “It’s benefited us more than school, because I never learnt any of this in school.”

For Ciara and Riley, the opportunity to explore financial topics in a creative way felt empowering:

“When we did the task of taking a loan from the bank, we didn’t look at the terms and conditions at the end. We could have benefited from that. Instead, in our situation, we took a loss. So yeah, we [would] definitely read all of it now and not just skip it,” said Ciara.

“Not everyone will have the chance,” added Riley. “I didn’t go to school and I’ve not really had parents there to explain to me how to manage money. I’ve learnt everything myself. So it’s appreciated that [Create have come] and I can do [this project].”

These powerful reflections remind us that, even in prison, creativity can open doors: to learning, to confidence, and to a more hopeful future.

This project was funded by Santander UK Foundation Limited.

*Names changed to protect anonymity

Grant from Wates Foundation supports inspired:arts, a National programme for young carersgrant from wates foundation supports INSPIRED:ARTS, A NATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR YOUNG CARERS

Posted on May 20, 2025 by - News

grant from wates foundation supports INSPIRED:ARTS, A NATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR YOUNG CARERS

Across the UK, young carers are juggling responsibilities far beyond their years – providing emotional support, household care, and helping family members with disabilities or long-term health conditions. For many, opportunities to connect, create, and simply be children are few and far between.

That’s why inspired:arts, Create’s multi-artform programme with young carers, is so vital.

Thanks to support from funders like Wates Foundation, the 2024/25 programme spanned locations from Uxbridge to Enfield, Bury to Sefton, and Wales to Scotland, offering hundreds of young carers across the country a break from their caring roles and a chance to explore their creativity, connect with others, and grow in confidence.

EXPRESSING YOURSELF THROUGH MUSIC: VICTORIA’S STORY (EALING & HOUNSLOW)

In August 2024, Victoria (18) joined a three-day music project in Ealing & Hounslow led by Create musician Paul Griffiths. The experience gave her and her peers space to reflect, create and connect.

“Create has been an opportunity for us to express our views and to use our voices to discuss topics that are important to us, such as peace.”

She appreciated how the project sparked creativity while also encouraging dialogue across different perspectives:

“Working with the rest of the group has been a privilege. We’ve discussed perspectives that are, of course, different from my own and that’s been very educational for me.”

For Victoria, the workshops offered more than music – they were an opportunity to be heard, understood, and inspired.

“It’s important to have the chance to do something creative so that, moving forward, we can express our views and ideas on important matters more articulately.”

FINDING JOY IN CREATIVITY: GAVAAN’S STORY (UXBRIDGE)

In February 2025, Gavaan (10) joined music workshops led by Create musician Holly Khan at Carers Trust Hillingdon in Uxbridge. Gavaan cares for her younger sister, who has speech and language delay and finds it difficult to engage socially.

The project gave her a joyful outlet and a space to connect with others who understand her experience:

[This project] takes my mind off [my caring role]. You can get to know kids that [are in the same situation as you] and need to deal with the same things.

GAVAAN, young carer

Crucially, inspired:arts also gave her time to have fun and relax:

“Playing the instruments is fun. I liked working with the group. It was fun to work with other people and they have lots of good ideas.”

CREATIVITY WITH NATIONAL REACH

In 2024/25, our young carer programmes reached 619 young carers across the UK in:

Greater London boroughs like Barnet, Bromley, Enfield, Hackney, Kingston, Sutton and Waltham Forest

  • North West locations via our Manchester hub including Blackpool, Bolton, Bury, Cheshire and Sefton
  • Other regions across Cambridgeshire, Hampshire, Kent and Nottinghamshire
  • And within the other three nations: Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales

Every project was co-created with local young carer services, tailored to the needs and interests of each group, and delivered by Create’s professional artists. Through art, music, dance, photography and more, these projects offered young carers a rare chance to express themselves, build new friendships and feel seen.

Thank you to Wates Foundation for funding inspired:arts in Ealing & Hounslow and Hackney.

Nicky Goulder ~ Founding Chief Executive