Author: communications

EXPANDING ACCESS TO CREATIVITY IN THE NORTH WEST

Posted on May 20, 2025 by communications - News

EXPANDING ACCESS TO CREATIVITY IN THE NORTH WEST

In late 2024, Create received a grant from Garfield Weston Foundation to support our programmes across the North West of England. This funding has been instrumental in enabling us to reach more individuals and communities, fostering creativity, and providing much-needed respite for carers.

Despite the North West’s vibrant cultural scene, there are notable challenges in arts engagement. A 2024 report highlighted that since 2010, the UK’s total cultural budget has been reduced by 6%, with local public funding for cultural services decreasing between 39% and 48% across various regions.

These statistics underscore the importance of our mission to make creativity accessible to everyone. Thanks to our funders, including the grant from Garfield Weston Foundation, we are expanding our vital work of giving the most marginalised people in our society opportunities to engage with the creative arts.

EMPOWERING ADULT CARERS THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY IN MANCHESTER

Our creative:voices programme offers adult carers respite from their caring responsibilities. Between September and October 2024, Create artist Becky Lattin led six weeks of photography.

Hazel took part in the workshops and reflected on how the project helped her see the world – and herself – differently.

“I’ve never smiled so much and been so happy,” she said. “I’m feeding off the positivity here. I also found [that being creative] made me feel more relaxed and sharpened my mind.”

“I’ve learnt to be bold, be brave, and just go and take the picture as close as possible. It was wonderful seeing like-minded people trying to do something different with their lives.”

CONNECTION THROUGH CREATIVITY

In Sefton, young carers Ocean (11) and Bob (nine) explored sound and music in a series of workshops with Create musician Bethan Roberts. Working together to write, record and produce their own songs helped foster connection, self-expression and fun.

“You get to have time away from your siblings,” Ocean shared, “and you can see people that have the same problems as you. So, you feel a bit less on your own.”

You get to have time away from your siblings, and you can see people that have the same problems as you. So, you feel a bit less on your own.
Ocean, young carer

Bob added, “Some people have said I have a wild imagination through this. It’s good to show how unique you are to other people.”

FINDING YOUR VOICE

For Peter, an adult carer who attends Manchester Carers Forum, the creative writing project led by Ben Mellor offered a rare and much-needed outlet. “It was very good [doing something creative],” he said. “It keeps your mind working. And you get a sense of achievement with what you produce.”

LOOKING AHEAD

From photography to drama, from music to writing, these projects have supported a diverse range of people – helping them feel heard, valued and inspired. Thanks to Garfield Weston Foundation, we are continuing to grow this work across the North West, ensuring creativity reaches the people who need it most.

Nicky Goulder ~ Founding Chief Executive

HOW CREATIVITY SUPPORTS CONFIDENCE, CONNECTION AND CURIOSITY, NO MATTER YOUR AGE

Posted on April 30, 2025 by communications - Blogs, Stories

HOW CREATIVITY SUPPORTS CONFIDENCE, CONNECTION AND CURIOSITY, NO MATTER YOUR AGE

As we grow older, life can become increasingly isolating – especially when facing age-related challenges, loss of a loved one or the impact of illness. Creative expression offers something powerful: a way to connect, to be seen, and to rediscover parts of ourselves that we may have lost.

Through art:links, Create’s creative arts programme for vulnerable older adults, participants are offered the chance to explore different artforms, develop skills and enjoy meaningful moments of connection. We spoke with three participants based in London – Areesha, Marie-Louise and Vivienne – who shared what creativity has meant to them.

ENCOURAGING CURIOSITY AND JOY THROUGH CREATIVITY

Areesha (60+), who took part in drama workshops in Westminster, found herself energised by learning something new each week:

“I’m really happy because each week was a little bit different. I never thought of acting with a mask on, and it was something new to learn.”

“Taking part did impact me. It made me cheerful and brought a liveliness and silliness, which I like to have. By being creative you learn something and at the same time your brain works and you gain knowledge.”
Areesha – art:links participant

For Areesha, the creative process wasn’t just about performance – it was about discovery:

“This project opened up my curiosity, it’s a different avenue and you learn something about how you are as a person. It’s a beautiful thing.”

CREATIVITY FOR CONFIDENCE

Marie-Louise (93), a sculptor and painter from Haringey, was delighted to find space where the joy of creating mattered more than the final product:

“It’s very valuable because it keeps my brain stimulated, which is very important”

“I’ve learnt that I don’t have to worry too much about what I’m producing. I’m surprising myself, really.”

Marie-Louise also found inspiration in watching others thrive in the workshops:

“Look at [fellow participant G__] who has disabilities. He really loves it and it brings out good stuff from him.”

CREATIVITY TO SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH AND CONNECTION

In Southwark, Vivienne (63) had been mostly housebound since developing an illness in 2016. Joining art:links brought a welcome change of pace, one filled with colour, creativity and connection:

“[We’ve been doing] some collages and just generally using colour to brighten up the picture. I made a small little bird, so I’m looking forward to finishing that.”

For Vivienne, the impact was about more than art – it was about finding her place in a community again:

“[I’ve enjoyed] doing art, which I love, and the fact that I’m part of a group and everyone’s very friendly and talkative – I’ve just enjoyed the company. I feel connected to the people I’ve mixed with in this room.”
vivienne – art:links participant

“It’s important for me [to feel connected to others] because I’ve been out of action since 2016 so now I feel part of something again.”

Vivienne also spoke about the therapeutic impact of creativity:

“Creativity gets out of you how you’re feeling, and you can put it into colour. I suffer with my mental health, so this has calmed me down a bit. That’s very important to me.”

A SPACE TO GROW AT ANY AGE

Each of these stories is unique, but they share something powerful: creativity as a tool for resilience, confidence and connection. Whether through painting, drama, or collage, the creative arts can provide joy, calm and a renewed sense of purpose. art:links is proof that it’s never too late to be creative – and never too late to feel the difference it makes.

Thank you to our funders: The Charity of Sir Richard Whittington [via The Mercers’ Company], City Bridge Foundation, Hyde Park Place Estates Charitable Trust and Westminster Almshouses Foundation.

MEET PATRICIA, AN ART:LINKS PARTICIPANT

Posted on April 30, 2025 by communications - Blogs, Stories

MEET PATRICIA, AN ART:LINKS PARTICIPANT

art:links is Create’s creative arts programme with vulnerable older people who have dementia and age-related challenges. It aims to build skills and confidence, giving participants a chance to express themselves, connect with others and enhance their overall wellbeing.

For six weeks during June and July 2024, participants from Age UK Islington took part in visual art workshops led by Create artist Lucy Grainge.

Patricia (77) told us about her experience on the project:

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

For Patricia, the path to rediscovering creativity came after a series of life-changing challenges.

“I’ve had to cope with quite a lot. My husband died, and just as I was learning my new life, I suddenly had a stroke. And then eight months later I found out I’d got cancer, which I’ll have for the rest of my life. Because of the stroke, my right hand is numb. It’s been very difficult. But I decided that you can either sit at home and accept, or you can get on with things and do the best you can. So I carry on as best I can.”

THE CREATE PROJECT

Each week offered a new technique, from paper weaving to lino cutting – activities Patricia had once enjoyed before her stroke, but had since felt out of reach:

“We’ve done various different [activities] that I really enjoyed like paper weaving and lino cutting. I’ve enjoyed all of it. The time has gone too quick. I’ve really enjoyed coming here on a Wednesday because it gives you something to look forward to rather than every day being exactly the same.”

“I was always artistic but because of the stroke I lost a lot of my ability. It felt really nice to do something creative. I felt chuffed with myself that I’ve managed to do some of the stuff.”

“I didn’t know I was capable of doing anything like this, because of how my hand is, but I’m pleased with the things I’ve done. I’ve persevered.”

CONNECTING WITH OTHERS THROUGH THE CREATIVE ARTS

Living alone, Patricia spoke about the power of connection that the group brought to her life:

“[Before this group], I didn’t know anyone here at all. I live on my own and people are isolated, really. Everyone was really nice; you don’t feel as if someone is better than you and you [don’t] feel inferior.”

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it and I wished it went on for longer. I shall miss it.”

Thank you to our funders: The Charity of Sir Richard Whittington [via The Mercers’ Company] and City Bridge Foundation.

Meet AYEZA, a young carer from ENFIELD

Posted on March 31, 2025 by communications - Blogs, Stories

Meet AYEZA, a young carer from ENFIELD

Over three days in October and November 2024, Create musician Joe Steele and Nurturing Talent artist Josh Allen led a music project as part of our inspired:arts programme, working with young carers in Enfield. The project was funded by Backstage Trust and focused on giving the young carers a chance to experience the joy of performance, make new friends and have a fun break from their responsibilities.

We spoke to Ayeza (8), who told us about her experience on the project.

AYEZA’S STORY

Ayeza has been caring for her mother since she was five years old, assisting with daily tasks due to her mother’s limited use of her right hand. She reflects on her role:

“[Being a young carer] is really different. When you have to care for someone, you have to do lots more things than when you don’t have to care for someone. But it’s really good to care for someone.”

THE CREATE PROJECT

During the project, participants learned the song “Freedom” and explored body percussion:

“We have been using some high instrument noises and low instrument noises, for example bells, African drums, pianos, and some other instruments I’d never heard of. I enjoyed everything. I had never done body percussion before.“

“We were split into groups to make some songs. It was great [working together]. I feel like no matter what I did, I had someone to support me.”
Ayeza, young carer

THE JOY OF PERFORMING

Initially nervous about performing, Ayeza discovered newfound confidence through the experience:

“When you perform you need to have confidence, you need to be brave about it. At first, I was a bit nervous but now I feel like it is really fun, and I could do it more often. Once it’s done, you can think ‘Oh, that wasn’t so bad’.

I feel really confident now about [the songs we’ve written]. I think the audience is going to be proud of us. I’m hoping to get more courage to talk to people, and communicate, and make new friends.”

CHALLENGES FACED BY YOUNG CARERS

Young carers like Ayeza often juggle significant responsibilities alongside their personal development. In England, there are an estimated 120,000 young carers aged between five and 17 years old. They often assist with practical tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and providing emotional support. Without support, young carers may face challenges in their academic achievements and social interactions, and experience poor mental health and wellbeing.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORT

Projects like inspired:arts offer young carers a vital outlet for creativity and self-expression. They provide a supportive environment where participants can build confidence, develop new skills, and connect with peers facing similar challenges. By engaging in such initiatives, young carers can experience moments of joy and personal growth, balancing their caregiving responsibilities with opportunities for self-discovery.

This project was funded by Backstage Trust

EXPLORING CREATIVITY: VOICES OF YOUNG CARERS

Posted on March 31, 2025 by communications - Blogs, Stories

EXPLORING CREATIVITY: VOICES OF YOUNG CARERS

Young carers often face significant challenges in balancing their caregiving responsibilities with personal development and social activities. Research indicates that they can be at risk of social isolation, with many lacking opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities.

inspired:arts is Create’s multi artform programme with young carers, giving them respite from their caring role.

We spoke with two young carers who took part in the programme: Jamie (14) and Noah (12).

CARING AS A YOUNG PERSON

Jamie cares for her younger brother, who has autism and ADHD:

“I [have helped to] care for [my brother since he was] six or seven. I think sometimes [being a young carer] is different [to other young people] because you don’t go out as much, like leaving the house, going out with friends. It can make me more stressed [at school] because [I’m] constantly worrying about my brother.”

Noah cares for his dad, as well as other family members:

“[My dad has] got really bad back, leg and heart problems. So, my sister and I always help him. [I’ve been caring] since I was six or seven. It’s a different experience [to my peers] because some of my friends’ parents are healthy and my friends don’t have as much work to do as some kids.

“I don’t often have time to myself [outside my caring role]. We’re always in the house because we need to take care of my dad. I can go outside sometimes with my friends but it’s rarely.”
Noah, young carer

Developing new artistic skills

In November 2024, Jamie took part in a visual artproject in Uxbridge:

“We’ve been doing a lot of things with printing and finding different ways to do prints with printing blocks, like making different marks. We did some prints where we were doing patterns on paper and then I did two canvas bags, which have prints on them.”

In February 2025, Noah explored photography with other young carers in Bury:

“I’ve learnt that you can do a lot with a camera, and you can [create] so many versions of things. When we did the light [artwork], we could create so much from that, and it’s just a really good experience.

You can use your emotion and show [through] your work how good your imagination is.”

THE IMPORTANCE OF CREATIVE PROJECTS

Engaging young carers in creative projects provides them with essential opportunities for self-expression, skill development and social interaction. Projects serve as respite from their caregiving responsibilities, allowing them to explore their identity beyond being a carer:

Jamie shared:

“[Projects like this] help because it gets me out of the house, gives me something to focus on other than everything that goes on at home.”
Jamie, young carer

“It just gives me a bit more time to myself as well. I’ve really, really enjoyed this.

It was nice working in a group setting because I often work on my own so it was nice doing something a bit different. It’s relaxing and it makes you feel less stressed.”

Similarly, Noah enjoyed the collaboration with other young carers:

“Working with the rest of the group was fun because we talked a lot and we all shared our photos. When we were in a circle and sorting [our artworks], it was a really fun thing.

We were a really good team and we always had really good ideas. We always listened to each other and we were always [inspired by] what the other person did.

It felt good to do something creative. You could let go. You could use your imagination with the camera and other people.”

Thank you to Fitch and The Quilter Foundation for making these projects possible.

Create’s 21st anniversary Gala Dinner at Mosimann’s raises £56,043

Posted on March 21, 2025 by communications - News, Blogs

Last night, our Gala Dinner at Mosimann’s raised £56,043 (net of costs) for Create’s vital work of bringing the creative arts to those who need it most.

On Thursday 20 March 2025, we gathered at Mosimann’s for an unforgettable evening in support of Create’s mission. This year, our annual Gala Dinner shone a spotlight on the vital role of the creative arts in promoting mental health and wellbeing.

Guests were welcomed with a Champagne reception before enjoying a six-course dinner in the stunning surrounds of Mosimann’s. Throughout the evening, a silent auction and raffle provided the opportunity to contribute towards Create’s work – offering creative arts experiences that empower some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people across the UK.

This year’s Gala focused on how creativity can be a powerful tool for mental health, particularly for those facing complex challenges. With one in four people in England experiencing a mental health issue each year, access to self-expression, confidence building and connection has never been more important.

In her speech, Founding CEO Nicky Goulder MBE, spoke about the importance of creativity as a means of healing, self-expression and resilience:

“In a recent creativity survey that was commissioned for us, 93% of respondents said that creativity was important to their wellbeing. And, even though I run a creative arts charity, I was pretty amazed that it was that high. But 27% of people said that they don’t have the money to be able to fulfil that thing that is so important. And that’s really where Create comes in, because every project we deliver free of charge to the participants.”

“People on our programmes frequently tell us that being creative helps improve their mental health. One of our participants, Shabana, suffers from low mood and finds the creative sessions incredibly uplifting.”

“She told us: “Doing the artwork gives me moments where I feel like my mind is creating space. I always compare it to a glass jar, and mine’s really full, overflowing and cracked. I’ve got no more space to do anything. But when I come here and do art, it empties some of that jar.” “

“And in addition to improving emotional wellbeing, creativity builds skills, brings joy and reduces isolation; and it levels the playing field for people from many different walks of life.”

Shabana’s story is one of many showing just how important the creative arts are for people facing challenges in their lives, providing them with tools for self-expression, connection with others and giving them hope for the future.

We are immensely grateful to Anton Mosimann OBE, Mark Mosimann, and the team at Mosimann’s for their continued hospitality, and to everyone who contributed to the evening’s success – our table hosts, donors, and all those who participated in the auction and raffle. Your generous support ensures that we can keep transforming lives through creativity, giving vulnerable people the opportunity to express themselves, connect with others and improve their mental wellbeing. Until the next Gala, thank you for being part of this special night!

YOUNG CARERS TAKE CENTRE STAGE: CREATIVITY, SELF-EXPRESSION AND WELLBEING ON YCAD 2025

Posted on March 12, 2025 by communications - News

YOUNG CARERS TAKE CENTRE STAGE: CREATIVITY, SELF-EXPRESSION AND WELLBEING ON YCAD 2025

Recent research indicates that there are over 800,000 young carers in the UK, with many more potentially unrecognised. These young people often juggle significant responsibilities, providing care for a family member or friend who has physical or mental health conditions, or some form of addiction. Their caregiving role can profoundly impact their education, social interactions, and overall wellbeing.

To shed light on their experiences and needs, Create has partnered with Carers Trust for Young Carers Action Day (YCAD) 2025. This year’s theme – “Give Me a Break” – highlights the importance of allowing young carers time to focus on their own wellbeing. Through four creative projects, young carers from all four nations have expressed themselves through puppetry, photography, printmaking, collage and more. Their artwork was featured in a special online showcase on Wednesday 12 March 2025, offering them a platform to share their stories and perspectives.

GIVING YOUNG CARERS A CREATIVE VOICE

Create’s Founding CEO, Nicky Goulder MBE, commented:

“We are delighted to be giving young carers a voice and showcasing their creativity on YCAD 2025. The needs of these young people who selflessly look after their loved ones should be much higher on the agenda in our society, and it’s a privilege to help raise awareness of this through our longstanding partnership with Carers Trust. The showcase is also a fantastic opportunity to increase awareness of the power of the creative arts to empower lives.”

“Through our creative workshops, young carers have been able to develop their creative and social skills, build their confidence, and nurture their wellbeing. We are proud of what they have achieved.”
Nicky goulder mbe

Vicky Morgan, Carers Trust’s Head of Young Carers and Young Adult Carers, said:

“It’s been wonderful to see Create’s experts bring out the best in our young carers. The sessions they run have led to some outstanding and powerful artwork.”
Vicky Morgan

“This year’s Young Carers Action Day is all about the importance of breaks and Create’s brilliant sessions certainly allowed our carers to enjoy some much-needed downtime away from their caring responsibilities. I can’t wait for everyone to see what they came up with.”

YCAD 2025 PROJECTS

This year, during February half-term, Create’s professional artists led workshops in all four nations. These provided 36 young carers with an outlet for their creativity and an opportunity to step away from their responsibilities. The projects were:

England (Enfield Carers Centre): Puppetry with Create artists Robyn Olivia and Isobel Mei-Taylor
Northern Ireland (Action for Children): Photography with Create photographer Adele Watts
Scotland (Quarriers Carer Support Service Moray): Visual Art with Create artist Lucy Marriott
Wales (North East Wales Carers Information Service): Printmaking and Collage with Create artists Julia Roy-Williams and Oscar Simms

These workshops allowed young carers to explore various art forms, collaborate with one another and professional artists, and create meaningful pieces reflecting the “Give Me a Break” theme. The resulting showcase celebrates their creativity, resilience and talents.

THE IMPACT OF CARING

Young carers often struggle to balance their responsibilities with education, social activities, and self-care. According to Carers Trust’s latest survey, nearly one in five young carers (17%) rarely or never get a break, while 40% say they can only take a break some of the time. Just 15% report that they can take a break whenever they want.

Additionally, the survey found that 72% of young carers miss out on school holidays due to their caregiving responsibilities. 49% said they miss out on friendships, while 46% reported missing hobbies. Almost two-thirds (65%) said they lacked time for themselves, and 19% felt they were missing out on their education.

One young carer shared their experience:

“I feel bad for taking breaks, and when I have time for myself, I’m always thinking that I could be doing something else to help out. It’s isolating because I can’t meet up with friends. I can text, but it’s just not the same. Everyone’s planning their holidays and trips, but I know I can’t go on holiday.”

Through creative arts activities, young carers not only gain a break from their responsibilities but also develop essential life skills such as teamwork, communication and self-expression. The YCAD showcase serves as a reminder of the importance of creative engagement in empowering young people and giving them a voice.

WATCH THE SHOWCASE

HOW CREATIVITY CAN TRANSFORM YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

Posted on February 27, 2025 by communications - Blogs, Stories

HOW CREATIVITY CAN TRANSFORM YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

Engaging in creative activities has been shown to have significant positive effects on mental health and wellbeing. A study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that individuals who spent time on creative pursuits experienced increased positive emotions and reduced depressive symptoms. Additionally, research indicates that engaging in creative activities can reduce stress and anxiety, enhance mood and improve overall wellbeing.

At Create, we witness these positive benefits daily and regularly hear from our participants about the impact of taking part in our projects on their mood and wellbeing . We spoke with participants from our young and adult carer projects, inspired:arts and creative:voices, who shared their experiences of taking part.

BALANCING A CARING ROLE WITH OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

Finding time for oneself while juggling a caregiving role can be challenging. Whether you are an adult or a young person, making space for other responsibilities such as school, work or self-care can be difficult.

inspired:arts is our programme working with young carers, giving them time away from their caring responsibilities to meet new people, build skills and have fun. Aiden (15) took part last year:

“I care for my mum. She has fibromyalgia, which means she has mobility issues; she also has mental health problems. At this stage, doing GCSEs and everything, it’s hard to divide [my] time.”

“It was hard to make time to come [to this project], but I managed to do it. It is challenging, but you find ways to cope.” – aiden

Our creative:voices programme offers adult carers respite and the chance to connect with other carers through the creative arts. Shabana, a participant who cares for her two children, shared:

“I have a 12-year-old daughter who has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and she has a physical disability. She requires a lot of physiotherapy day to day. I also have a seven-year-old boy, who has been diagnosed with autism, dyslexia and has sensory processing issues.

Becoming a carer completely [changed my lifestyle]. I lost my friends. I stopped seeing my family because they didn’t really understand what I was going through. My relationship broke down, as it was just too difficult to juggle a relationship and caring. I always came last.”

MAKING TIME FOR NEW YOURSELF THROUGH CREATE’S PROJECTS

Engaging in creativity not only serves as a mindful escape from daily worries, but also offers participants opportunities to create work they are truly proud of.

“I really enjoyed the chance to express creativity. It was good to see our hard work come to life and it actually turned-out way better than we thought it would. I feel very proud.” – Aiden

“it felt nice [to do something creative]. I haven’t done something like that in a while.” – aiden

“Before this [project], I [had] done nothing creative. Last week was the first time I felt confident enough to put my ideas into practice. I saw some blackberries at the bridge mill and I picked them, extracted the dye from them and then used that dye to print some leaves. And it’s because of what we’ve been doing [on the project].” – Shabana

FINDING RELIEF THROUGH CREATIVITY

Due to the pressure that often comes with caring for a vulnerable person, many carers experience poor mental health. Factors such as financial worries and lack of personal time can increase anxiety and other mental health challenges. Studies show that between 40% and 70% of caregivers have clinically significant symptoms of depression, with approximately 25% to 50% of these caregivers meeting the diagnostic criteria for major depression.

“Without creativity, life would be dull. This project made me happier than I would have been. It’s given me something to do and I’ve been hanging around with friends. So, it definitely made me happier over these three days.” – Aiden

“[This project has] been really uplifting for my mood. I suffer with a low mood, but doing the artwork gives me moments where I feel like my mind is creating space.” – Shabana

I ALWAYS COMPARE IT TO A GLASS JAR, AND MINE’S REALLY FULL, OVERFLOWING AND CRACKED. i’VE GOT NO MORE SPACE TO DO ANYTHING. BUT WHEN I COME HERE AND DO IT, IT EMPTIES SOME OF THAT JAR. – Shabana

These personal stories highlight the transformative power of creativity in enhancing mental health and wellbeing, especially for those in caregiving roles.

The inspired:arts project that Aiden attended was funded by Sarah Jane Leigh Charitable Trust. The creative:voices project attended by Shabana was funded by The Smiles Fund, awarding funds from Walkers and Comic Relief.

MEET NAZANIN, AN ADULT CARER FROM MANCHESTER

Posted on February 27, 2025 by communications - Blogs, Stories

MEET NAZANIN, AN ADULT CARER FROM MANCHESTER

creative:voices is Create’s multi artform programme with adult carers, giving them respite from their caring role and a chance to meet new people, build new skills and be creative.

For six weeks during September and October 2024, Create artist Rebecca May led a ceramics project with carers at Manchester Carers Forum.

We spoke to adult carer Nazanin about her experience on the project.

NAZANIN’S STORY

“I’ve got three kids. Two of my sons are diagnosed with autism and my daughter has recently been diagnosed with ARFID (Avoidant Resistive Food Intake Disorder). She is on the waiting list for CAMHS assessment for autism as well. I care for their needs, giving them safe environment where they can be [themselves] rather than having to mask.

CARING FOR THEM HAS CHANGED MY LIFESTYLE. i’VE LOST MY FREEDOM.

When you have a child, you lose your freedom, but when you have a child who is neurodiverse, the level of freedom that you lose is even higher because you can’t get a babysitter without worrying [if] their needs [are] going to be met.

It has sometimes made me feel a bit more trapped. A couple of years ago I had to quit my job because it was just burning me out too much. I can’t work, even though I want to, because mentally I can’t concentrate on work and on their needs. And you can’t have a night off. I can get quite overwhelmed, and no matter what I do, I feel burnt out.”

MAKING TIME FOR NEW EXPERIENCES

“I really enjoyed the project. I loved working with jesmonite, because I’ve never come across it before. I love learning new things, so being exposed to a new material that is quick and easy was the best thing for me. It has completely blown my mind, because I never knew it existed. I’ve created lots of trinkets for me and my kids. I’m really happy with what I’ve made. I’m just thinking now in my head about where I can put them in the house.

We ended up with a good group [on the project]. I’ve enjoyed it because everyone is in a similar situation, as we’re all carers, so there’s a level of understanding. It’s nice to share ideas and see everyone’s different points of view and how they interpret what they’ve made. I’ve really enjoyed that.”

CRAFTING FOR MENTAL HEALTH

“I used to do lots of crafts in my younger years, but not so much as an adult because I’m always rushing around thinking about what needs to be done around the house. It was so nice to slow down and do something for myself. Crafting for me is my happy place. I think I feel a lot more relaxed knowing I’m going to dedicate time to [crafting]. I’ve really enjoyed it!

It has definitely benefited [my mental health]. Especially at this time of year, when everything gets a bit depressing, it has got me out of the house. It’s definitely had a positive effect. And I’m a stressor naturally. I’m someone who doesn’t slow down, even though I’ve been told I need to for my health. Being forced to slow down helps.

DOING SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAS REALLY HELPED ME FOCUS ON MYSELF.

I think when you’re a carer, you get so focused on the person you’re caring about, you then forget yourself. These kinds of projects help you move away from being in the house and constantly caring. You can actually focus on your own mental health. I think we need more of these kinds of projects.”

creative:voices was funded by The Smile Fund, awarding funds from Comic Relief and Walkers.

THE POWER OF CREATIVITY: NICKY GOULDER JOINS THE UNDERSTANDING SOCIETY PODCAST

Posted on February 26, 2025 by communications - News

Create’s Founding Chief Executive, Nicky Goulder MBE, recently joined the Understanding Society podcast to discuss the vital connection between creativity and mental health. In conversation with Dr Karen Mak, a researcher exploring the impact of arts engagement on wellbeing, and host Chris Coates, Nicky highlighted the transformative power of the arts, particularly for those facing isolation or mental health challenges.

Dr Mak shared compelling research demonstrating that engaging in creative activities doesn’t just improve wellbeing, but creates a positive feedback loop where people who take part in the arts feel happier, and happier individuals are more likely to engage in creative activities. This aligns with our mission here at Create, as we regularly see how creativity reduces stress, builds confidence and encourages social connection among its participants.

The discussion also touched on the role of social prescribing, where healthcare professionals refer individuals to creative and community activities to support their mental health. Nicky highlighted how Create’s free, high-quality arts projects offer crucial respite and empowerment for carers, young people with SEND and other marginalised communities.

At the heart of the conversation was a shared belief: everyone should have access to the life-changing benefits of creativity.

Listen to the full conversation and explore the research behind the impact of creativity on mental health.