Author: communications

tHE CREATIVE ARTS and Mental Health

Posted on October 31, 2024 by communications - Blogs, Stories

tHE CREATIVE ARTS and Mental Health

At Create, we get to see first-hand how the creative arts enhance individuals’ wellbeing. This was reflected in our 2023/24 social value report: 100% of our participants said that attending Create projects improved their quality of life; and 98% of them reported improved self-esteem.

Our findings reflect recent research from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) which found that “people who took part in arts and crafts reported higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction, as well as a stronger sense that life is worthwhile.” Moreover, ARU concluded that “helping people to access affordable opportunities for creativity could be a major boost to public mental health.”

This aligns with Create’s mission of enable those who are isolated or marginalised to take part in free high quality creative arts experiences. Below, we hear some of their stories.

FINDING MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL RELIEF THROUGH ART

“Being creative has been really great. It’s been great to express our emotions through body movement and dance. Some days when I have got here, I have felt really emotional. I’m literally holding in tears. And at the end, I feel lighter and better because I’ve moved my body and I’ve been able to come away from my responsibilities and roles at home. I’ve learnt that for me personally, body movement is very important. I used to take dance classes and I really used to enjoy it. But everything stopped and I’ve felt very stagnant. So doing something like this is really important. And I feel more motivated when I’m within a group. I just love the way that movement allows you to release lots of energy from your body as well. It just allows you to move and release that stress in a way. It’s been really nice for my mental health. It certainly helps, 100%” – Nimisha, adult carer, Harrow

“I loved being creative. It took me away physically, mentally and emotionally from my caring role. I’m very tied down by my caring, because I’m a 24/7 carer with just an hour and a half of help each day. But creating things takes us away from ourselves. When you’re involved in creating, you can’t think about how much your feet ache or how your brain is in a fuzz. It’s being able to use my brain and body differently and in a stimulating way.” – Bridget, adult carer, Nottingham

“[These workshops have] 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. 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 I can use that empty space to do my caring role.” – Shabana, adult carer, Manchester.

“Being creative felt good because sometimes everything is stressful, especially as I have assessments coming up. It’s been nice to be able to do something else besides that. Creativity has really helped with my mental health, especially doing art with other people. It’s helped me take my mind off of everything and focus on something else for a little while.” – Jack, young carer, Uxbridge

BUILDING LONG-TERM MENTAL HEALTH TOOLS THROUGH THE ARTS

“That’s where this music project has been so important to me because it’s brought creativity back into my life. I have an appointment with it. And my main challenge at the moment is [that] I need to think about myself more. This is a good starting point to enabling me, hopefully, to take some of those further steps that I know I need to do.” – Bridget, adult carer, Nottingham

“I call it my ‘me time’. Because I’m given a chance to come and do what I want to do, and just be free and I’m not being judged. And the fact that it’s creative is good because my creativity has just gotten to spark up. I would recommend it to others as well. I even told my doctor about it and she was really happy I had something to help with my mental health and all the things I’ve got going on at the moment. I really loved the ‘yes, and’ [activity], where somebody says something and you continue with ‘yes, and’. That was both therapeutic and creative for me. It’s actually helped me in my personal life. It has given me a positive outlook by saying ‘yes, and’ instead of going negative and spiralling down. It’s been good in that regard.” – Yvonne, older adult, Islington

“Taking part in this project, I learned that art can be quite relaxing and therapeutic and that it can also help with pain. Obviously, I rely on painkillers, but art can calm your body down, which is quite nice. Projects like these can help people in hospital see a different perspective. We can see the beauty in the very mundane things through art.” Blair, young psychiatric hospital patient, Manchester

ART IS FREEDOM – A conversation with a survivor of modern day slavery

Posted on October 17, 2024 by communications - Stories

ART IS FREEDOM – A conversation with a survivor of modern day slavery

Over the summer Create partnered with law firm, Ashurst and crisis charity, Hestia to deliver a series of painting workshops with survivors of modern slavery. Hosted at Ashurst, these workshops were part of Hestia’s Art is Freedom project, which empowers survivors to use creativity as a means of self-expression and healing.

As part of the project, participants’ artwork will be presented as part of Hestia’s Art is Freedom Exhibition, held to raise awareness of Anti-Slavery Day. This year, the exhibition will run from 7- 20 October 2024 at Trafalgar Square, Waterloo Station and Victoria Station. The exhibition also took over the Piccadilly lights on the morning of 18 October to mark Anti-Slavery Day, with artworks accompanied by the message, ‘ The art is free, and now so are the artists.’

Five people looking at the Art is Freedom artwork on display at the Piccadilly Lights.

Under the guidance of our professional Create artist Rachel McGivern, participants created stunning paintings in response to the theme ‘unlocked’.

Below is an interview with one of the participants, who chose to remain anonymous.

HOW CREATIVITY HEALS

“[Coming into the project] my brain was very empty because I was very heavy and I was so tired with myself and with my medicine. [This project] has given me a way to live a life like sailing on water. [Create] taught me and showed me a way to come out of the dark room I was in. I’m very thankful for Create and for the art [workshops].”

“I continue to share because you need to have courage to break these things. Break the silence and come out free, share with others, you’ll find a solution. Which we have a solution for this.”

“I’ll never finish creating. Until I die, I create and I will never finish. I take inspiration from the things I experience around me.”

BEING A SURVIVOR

Freedom is a big word. It’s very important for me. All I hope is that these words will come true.

“If you are suffering, tell people that you are suffering. I’m still thinking about how I was suffering. No one understands my pain in my country. They neglect me, torture me, beat me, they never showed me love, which I get from this country.

“[I curated a painting of] myself and my friend. We are still looking for our freedom, which we don’t have right now but we are looking for this. We are swimming in a big sea and we still haven’t reached our boat yet. We are still swimming and still struggling.”

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ART IS FREEDOM EXHIBITION

“[The theme unlocked] is very beautiful and it’s quite heavy because I’m still looking for the key to unlock myself from the situation that I am currently in.”

“It’s a big message for me. I’m happy to share my art picture in this exhibition. I want to share with everyone, please don’t sleep in darkroom. Come out and see the sun. Fight for yourself. Never give up. Fight for yourself, even though life is hard. I came here to find a safe place to live and I’m safe. Yes, I’m safe. All my paintings are about birds and butterflies. When I was so small, I couldn’t run to catch butterflies because someone abused me and I couldn’t fight by myself. So now that I’m here, I’ve come to live the rest of my life in the happiest of moments.”

“I’m happy to collaborate with the group. Everyone is taking their own big step, they have their own motivation on their mind and we can learn from each other and how each of us struggle, how we can help each other, and how we can be friendly to one another.”

Create wins Mental Health Award

Posted on October 11, 2024 by communications - News, Blogs

Create wins Mental Health Award

We are delighted to announce that Create has won a prestigious Mental He a lth Award, recognising the importance and value of creativity for wellbeing.

Our creative:voices programme with adult carers won the “Most Innovative Proactive Wellbeing Activity” category at the Mental Health Awards ceremony in Reading last night.

Create CEO Nicky Goulder and Director of Programmes Kristian Sakulku at the Mental Health Awards

We are thrilled that the creative arts have once again been formally recognised as a powerful tool for enhancing mental wellbeing. The award recognises the important work that we deliver across the UK with those who selflessly provide unpaid care to their loved ones. It is made all the more special by being Create’s first award for this area of our work. Winning this award is also valued recognition of the quality of our dedicated team’s commitment and passion and I am so proud of what we have achieved.

At Create, we fundamentally believe that people need to create. It is often the most marginalised people in society who are excluded from accessing the benefits of the creative arts, whilst also standing to benefit the most from taking part.

The adult carers who take part in our creative:voices programme certainly fall into this category. They are often disadvantaged, marginalised and hidden, which can lead to poor mental health and low self-esteem. And so many of them do not have the time or resources to access the creative arts in their day-to-day lives. The poverty rate for adult carers is 50% higher than for those who do not provide unpaid care _{^{(Carers UK 2024)}} and 68% are unable to get a break from their respite care when they need it _{^{(Carers Trust 2023)}}.

When I look at all the pieces I made on this project, they look beautiful. It’s relaxing and good for your mind.
creative:voices participant

Many adult carers say that their personal relationships, social lives and leisure time have been restricted due to their caring responsibilities. They often feel a sense of guilt, stress and isolation connected to their caring, which makes access to appropriate support essential.

We designed creative:voices to alleviate feelings of isolation and enhance mental health, enriching carers’ sense of belonging in their community and increasing their confidence in themselves and their abilities. The project enables them to take a creative break from their caring responsibilities, to meet others and boost their mental wellbeing.

I enjoyed the project and found it therapeutic. It always brightened my day when I came here. You don’t know what creativity you have until you try it.
creative:voices participant

We see every day the profound impact that creativity has on people’s mental health and wellbeing. When given the chance to engage with the creative arts, people learn new skills and positive attitudes, they build connections, find fulfilment, and discover the sheer joy of creating.

With this award, we are taking one step closer to our vision of a world in which everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, has the opportunity to engage in the creative arts.

Thank you to the Mental Health Awards for shining a spotlight on our work, and for highlighting how creativity is an indispensable tool for enhancing mental wellbeing. Thank you to the dedicated carer services across the UK with which we partner. And thank you to The Smiles Fund partnership between Comic Relief and Walkers for funding this life-changing programme.

Nicky Goulder, Founding Chief Executive

CASE STUDIES

Stories

MEET saba, AN ADULT CARER FROM manchester (carers week)

This Carers Week, we are shining a spotlight on the 5.7 million unpaid carers across the U…

Stories

MEET PAM, AN ADULT CARER FROM sefton

creative:voices is Create’s multi-artform programme that enables adult carers to take a …

Stories

Meet ADULT CARERS Elizabeth and sue, CREATIVE:VOICES PARTICIPANTS

MEET ADULT CARERS Elizabeth and sue, CREATIVE:VOICES PARTICIPANTS creative:voices is Create’s…

Stories

Dharmesh, an adult carer from harrow

MEET DHARMESH: AN ADULT CARER FROM HARROW Dharmesh, a 56-year-old GP, who took part in creative…

Stories

Meet Renee, an adult carer from Islington

creative:voices is Create’s multi-artform programme that enables adult carers to take a …

artwork by members of Carers Leeds in creative voices project

Stories

Meet Alexandra, an adult carer from Leeds

creative:voices is Create’s project giving adult carers the opportunity to explore …

SOLVEIG HERZUM ~ NURTURING TALENT 2024/25 cohort

Posted on October 3, 2024 by communications - Stories

SOLVEIG HERZUM ~ NURTURING TALENT 2024/25

Nurturing Talent is Create’s 12-month part-time professional development programme for emerging artists. Designed and delivered in close consultation with our professional artists, it is now in its ninth year. During 2024/25, it is upskilling five emerging artists from a range of disciplines, providing them with training and experience so they can develop their creative workshop facilitation skills in diverse and challenging settings. By working alongside our professional artists, they are also giving our participants access to high quality creative arts experiences.

We spoke with Solveig, a London-based documentary filmmaker, writer and director, halfway through the Nurturing Talent programme. She told us about how it has influenced her facilitation skills as well as her own artistic development.

DEVELOPING SKILLS TO WORK WITH DIFFERENT PARTICIPANT GROUPS

“Nurturing Talent has really helped me develop my facilitation skills. Specifically, it has helped to develop my skills, capacities and sensitivities around working with different high-demand participant groups. For example, I had never worked in [Special Needs] school settings or with young carers before.

“I’ve been encouraged to reflect a lot on my role as a facilitator and the space that I create for the participants. I’ve learned specifically about how to craft a space for participants that is both safe, and encourages them out of their comfort zone.

“We’ve also reflected on the ultimate goals of the workshops we lead and how to design them in a way that guides participants toward achieving those outcomes.”

LEARNING FROM CREATE ARTISTS

“Learning from the Create artists has been lovely because I’ve built some really meaningful connections. The very first workshop I assisted on was with [theatre maker and puppeteer] Robyn Olivia. She participated in the Nurturing Talent programme [in 2021/22], so she was very much a peer who I was able to learn from.

“For my next project I worked with Cheryl Moskowitz [a writer who has been working with Create for almost 20 years]. Cheryl is a veteran of workshop leading. We developed a lovely relationship and she’s become someone I can really look up to. We actually met up recently in Philadelphia this summer as we were both there.

“Through these experiences, I’ve been able to develop both peer and mentor relationships with the artists I’ve worked with. I can see reflections of myself in my peers, building friendships, while also seeing how my career could evolve in the next 20 years.”

HAS THE PROGRAMME INFLUENCED YOUR OWN ARTISTIC PRACTICE?

“My artform is documentary filmmaking and it’s all about relating to people in the real world. The Nurturing Talent programme has developed my communication skills and my ability to connect with the sort of people who might eventually be in a film of mine. It has deepened my cultural awareness. For example, I now have an understanding of the lived experience of young carers, having worked with a group from Carers’ Hub Lambeth. This knowledge will influence my future work as a documentary filmmaker.

“Facilitating filmmaking workshops for others has also really made me reflect on the craft of filmmaking and storytelling. For example, some participants struggled with how to make a story clear to an audience. This made me think about how I approach clarity in my own professional work. It’s helped me see that there are still things I have to come to grips with in my practice.

Lastly, being involved in projects outside my artform has really benefitted my creativity. For example, doing drama or puppetry workshops reminded me of the joy of creating things that aren’t real. That has made me think about my own documentary work and reflect that filmmaking doesn’t always have to be real or super journalistic. It has helped me see how to expand the potential of storytelling in my own work.

“Overall, Nurturing Talent is just a lovely balance of support and challenge. I feel very nurtured.”
SOLVEIG HERZU

“WE KNEW THE PROJECTS WOULD WORK BECAUSE THEY’RE BEING DELIVERED BY A TRUSTED ORGANISATION.” – AN INTERVIEW WITH FUNDER JOHN LYON’S CHARITY

Posted on September 25, 2024 by communications - Blogs, Stories

“WE KNEW THE PROJECTS WOULD WORK BECAUSE THEY’RE BEING DELIVERED BY A TRUSTED ORGANISATION”

John Lyon’s Charity (JLC), a grantmaker transforming the lives of young people by creating opportunities to learn, grow and develop through education, has supported Create’s work since 2013. Since then, with funding secured from JLC, Create launched changing:minds and community:matters, reaching numerous disabled young people, young carers and refugees in the funder’s priority geographical areas.

We spoke to Anna Hoddinott, Director of Communications & Strategic Grants at John Lyon’s Charity, about this valuable long-term partnership.

Create has a passion for interrogating its work and striving to be the best that it can be, combining diverse artforms, passion, drive, high-quality practitioners and rigorous evaluation all in one place. If a funder wants to fund really high-quality projects, then Create gives a lot of options.
Anna Hoddinott

Why did john lyon’s charity decide to start supporting create?

“There’s a lot of synergy between JLC’s values and those of Create. Create strives to evolve constantly, develop and hone its offerings. We see the value in Create’s approach and methodology; projects cross a multitude of different artforms and can be adapted to various audiences with various needs.”

WHY did you choose create to co-design programmes, changing:minds and community:matters?

“We have known Create for a considerable amount of time, which has enabled us as funders to believe in its ability to have the right impact and outcomes. Create’s openness and flexibility to develop programmes targeting priority groups and locations for JLC, made the charity an ideal partner. This flexibility put Create in a really strong position to secure funding for new projects: we knew the projects would work because they’re being delivered by a trusted organisation.”

Why do you think create’s work impacts the lives of children and young people?

“The positive impact starts from the beginning. Participants can choose the artform that most resonates with them, giving them agency over their experience. This element of co-creation is really empowering and gives a greater impact because participants know that they are taking part in something that they have chosen to do.

“It’s really important that the participants are not delivered to, but delivered with. That really comes across with the work that Create does; participants are encouraged to find their own way through projects, while being supported to engage as much as they are able. The projects I have visited are always really engaging for the participants. All of the young people seem to be really enthusiastic.

“On the whole, the impact on participants is huge. And not just in the moment, but also long after the end of the project, instilling confidence, a sense of wellbeing and all the positivity that engaging in arts projects can bring.”

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF CREATIVITY?

“Creativity is fundamentally important for everybody. I think it’s important that creative arts are included in school curriculums, but they are so often overlooked in favour of more academic subjects. Having access to creativity and cultural capital can boost everybody’s mental wellbeing, helping people thrive emotionally, professionally, and in relationships. Creativity gives a mirror to see yourself reflected and a window to view the world through different perspectives. Being able to access creativity leads to a really well-rounded society with really healthy and grounded people within it.”

if another organisation was considering supporting create, what would you say to them?

“Do it! It’s difficult to find organisations that deliver such a range of activities, specialising in working with so many different participant groups, with such quality. Create has a passion for interrogating its work and striving to be the best that it can be, combining diverse artforms, passion, drive, high-quality practitioners and rigorous evaluation all in one place. If a funder wants to fund really high-quality projects, then Create gives a lot of options.”

GRANT FROM THE Linbury Trust ENABLES Create to expand access TO CREATIVITY in the North West

Posted on September 25, 2024 by communications - News

GRANT FROM THE Linbury Trust ENABLES Create to expand access TO CREATIVITY in the North West

I am delighted to announce that The Linbury Trust has awarded Create a grant of £150,000 over three years to support the expansion of our work in the North West of England (NW) and beyond between 2024 and 2027. This incredible grant will enable us to extend our programme, taking the power of creativity to increasing numbers of those children and adults in the region who need it most.

Expanding our reach in the NW, a region with multiple areas of high deprivation and low arts engagement, is a key strategic objective for Create. Since launching our Manchester hub in 2021, we have increased our work there, with 21% of all Create workshops now taking place across the NW region.

On awarding the grant, Stuart Hobley, Director of The Linbury Trust, commented: “We’re pleased to be supporting Create and its programme in the North West, working with local people and artists to encourage and excite involvement in a wide range of creativity, and the deep, lasting value arts can play in everyday life.”

THE NEED IN THE NORTH WEST

Create’s NW hub is enabling us to access many areas in the first and second most deprived deciles according to the Multiple Deprivation Indices. Having a presence in the region makes it possible for us to deliver our entire portfolio of projects in the area (as it does in London) in the most cost-effective, efficient way. It also provides high quality work to professional artists across the region.

Since launching our hub, we have established partnerships with 20 organisations across the region, delivering 602 workshops. These have reached 1,015 disadvantaged participants, positively impacting local communities.

Key relationships include Dementia Friendly Festival, Manchester City Council, Manchester Literature Festival and a wide range of community organisations, including mainstream/SEND schools; young/adult carer services; older people’s day centres; a prison; and an adolescent psychiatric hospital. We launched a new project with children looked after in April 2024.

“A participant made a comment at the end of the project that her family had commented on how much more relaxed and happy she appeared to be after the workshops, which took her mind off other difficult things in her life.”
Partner service staff

how grants are making a difference

“Before the project, I got stressed easily and I didn’t know what to do, but now I am calmer. This has really helped my stress recovery.” “I don’t have many opportunities to be creative, so I enjoyed doing it here.”
Participant

The grant from The Linbury Trust will contribute substantially to our continued expansion in the region, giving increasing numbers of vulnerable children and adults the opportunity to use the creative arts to build skills, make connections and enhance their wellbeing.

In addition, the funding will enable us to recruit further experienced professional artists to our diverse pool across a range of artforms. From 2025, it will also support an emerging artist in the NW to take part in our professional development programme, Nurturing Talent, giving them the skills and confidence to lead workshops in challenging community settings.

Our sincerest thanks to The Linbury Trust for investing in our participants, our professional artists and our key strategic aim of expanding creative arts access across the North West. We are excited about this important new partnership.

Nicky Goulder ~ Founding Chief Executive

PARTICIPANT TESTIMONIES

Our participants’ stories speak volumes about the life-changing effects of our programmes:

Volunteering at create

Posted on September 23, 2024 by communications - Blogs, Stories

Volunteering at create

Volunteering can be a powerful way to bring people together, strengthen communities, and inspire personal growth.

But don’t take our word for it — three of our volunteers have shared their own experiences, highlighting the personal rewards, the connections they’ve made, and the lasting memories they’ve created with Create.

We spoke to Ben from Reed Smith, who volunteered on our creative:release project, which empowers adult carers who attend Carers Centre Tower Hamlets. Harriet from Brown-Forman shared her experience of volunteering on art:links, a London-wide programme that engages vulnerable older people in creative arts. And Sheen from Ashurst reflected on their time on creative:engagement, our multi-artform project designed for older people living with dementia or mental ill health.

THE VALUE OF GIVING BACK

Harriet: “People can be so busy in work life, they don’t stop and think of others, or spend time helping others. People can get so wrapped up in the day-to-day. So, I think volunteering, and taking that time out to focus on something that’s for other people, is such a nice opportunity. Personally, it’s made me realise that I want to carry on giving back moving forward.”

Sheen: “I’ve got elderly relatives back home in Singapore. As I can’t be there to spend time with them, I wanted to spend time with people who might be feeling similar things. I wanted to give back in this way.”

the importance of creativity

Harriet: “I think [creativity] is important for a number of different reasons, especially from a work perspective. Some people think in a very tunnel visioned way and have a very set mindset. But when you take a step back and do something that’s creative, it really makes you think outside the box. And that encourages you to think like that in the workplace. It makes you break the mould of what you’re doing and look at alternative ways.”

Ben: “As corporate office professionals, we don’t necessarily get a chance to be creative in the workspace. [Taking part in this workshop] made me realise just how important taking that break from the screen actually is. I think having that break is so needed for mental health and your actual physical health.”

Harriet: “Art is really relaxing. It gives you that time to switch off and relax and immerse yourself into something that’s very fun and relaxing. And everyone’s perfect is so different, so it will never be perfect.”

DEVELOPING PERSONAL AND PROFFESSIONAL SKILLS

Sheen: “I think volunteering has definitely contributed to my personal and professional growth. I think something I’ve become better at through this experience is being a good listener. With the participants, they come from very different backgrounds from the clients we interact with day to day at a professional firm. It trains you to listen to a different, diverse group, so it rounds out my listening skills as a whole. Additionally, just being able to connect with these people also helps you to practice empathy. I think [volunteering] definitely makes you a more well-rounded person and it’s also good for your personal wellbeing.”

Ben: “Developing those interpersonal skills and having that personal connection was just lovely. There was one participant who was quite shy and kept herself to herself. But I sat down with her and we started building this lovely plasticine set of her house and her son, who she cares for. We got talking about the things her son loves to do, and how she cares for him. It was so nice to be a part of and to have her telling me about their life. At the end she was so proud of herself because she wasn’t a particularly artsy person. You could see the pride on her face and that it was such a cathartic experience for her. It was so nice to be a part of. I thought; ‘this is wonderful, this is what it’s all about.’”

the impact of volunteering at create

Ben: It was an absolute pleasure to take part and it left me feeling so good. This was such a nice thing to have done, I went to the project and came out of it and just had a smile on my face for the rest of the day. I was just glad I was able to give [Create’s participants] a hand and be part of something that they enjoyed.”

Sheen: “One of the participants opened up to me and shared about how much she really enjoys the sessions. She told me how much she looks forward to them and how it really makes her week and she gets really excited in the build-up. So, knowing that what we are doing really matters to the participants has been a key highlight for me. But even if we don’t hear it directly, we see it. We can see that they’re happy.”

Ben: “Because we [Reed Smith] have done so many projects with Create, you have a whole community of people who [have volunteered on projects]. I can turn around to someone on a different floor and ask how their week’s [volunteering] went. Even if I’ve only done one project, you do feel part of a wider community, and it’s such a nice feeling. Plus, it makes a nice break from talking about legal work at lunch!”

HOW CREATIVITY HAS IMPROVED BLAIR’S MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH

Posted on September 23, 2024 by communications - Stories

HOW CREATIVITY HAS IMPROVED BLAIR’S MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH

creative:tandem is our multi-artform project with young people admitted to mental health units due to serious conditions including psychotic, depressive, anxiety and eating disorders, self-harm or suicidal thinking. For five days in August 2024, Create artist Sarah Grant delivered visual art workshops at Galaxy House, an inpatient service in Manchester helping young people with a range of conditions including eating disorders, Pervasive Arousal Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS), OCD and Psychosis.

We spoke to Blair (17) about her experience on this project. Blair was admitted to Galaxy House in May 2024.

Blair’s Story

“I have PAWS, which is Pervasive Arousal Withdrawal Syndrome, classified under FND (Functional Neurological Disorder). I have been in Galaxy House for nearly 18 weeks. I had appendicitis last year and then I was unable to walk and paralysed. We thought I was going to get better, so I was discharged. I had carers, all of that. But then my symptoms just regressed. I had a nasogastric tube and they were looking for external rehabilitation places. Galaxy House fitted my needs, it’s a very specialised facility. My symptoms have definitely improved here and I’ve obtained a much better quality of life.”

THE VISUAL ART WORKSHOP

“We’ve been doing various creative tasks for the week. We did some acrylic painting, art using nature as inspiration, experimental watercolours, clay modelling with terracotta clay, and spray painting. We were free to do whatever inspired us. I liked the free reign given to the young people and how it like dispels the conception that art has to be one specific thing.”

“Working as a group was quite fun. I think it showed the group’s dynamics in a very different way. Art can harness what others are feeling, which can be quite satisfying.”

THE joys of creating

“Being creative has made me feel very fulfilled because I can achieve something tangible, which is not linked to something academic. I think it’s good to have a safe space where you can contribute different creative ideas that don’t have to be intellectually judged.

“[When creating] I feel satisfied as it’s relaxing and very enjoyable.”

“It’s been nice that we had a whole week dedicated to different forms of art.”

TAKEAWAYS

“Projects like these can help people in hospital see a different perspective. We can see the beauty in the very mundane things through art. And it differentiates our days. It’s also nice informal environment. We can interact with nurses more casually, because they’re not writing notes on you.”

creative:tandem is funded by The Prudence Trust

Prisoners on Create projects win SEVEN prized Koestler Awards

Posted on August 30, 2024 by communications - News

Prisoners on Create projects win SEVEN prized Koestler Awards

I am delighted to share the wonderful news that prisoners who participated in four Create prison programmes during 2023/24 — Free Inside, Inside Change, Inside Stories, and My Dad’s in Prison — have been recognised with seven prestigious Koestler Awards.

These awards, presented by Koestler Arts, a charity dedicated to recognising and showcasing artwork by prisoners, detainees, and secure patients, celebrate the power of creativity within the prison community.

We are proud that a poetry collection entitled “Primrose and F-Wing,” created during our Free Inside project at women’s prison HMP Low Newton, has won a Gold Award. This collection offers a moving exploration of personal experiences and emotions, highlighting the profound impact of poetry as a tool for self-expression.

In the Radio & Podcast Production category, the production “Plain Jane,” created at HMP Low Newton during Inside Change received a Silver Award. This compelling work showcases the participants’ exceptional storytelling abilities.

Three radio dramas — “Bang Tidy,” “Inherited Identity,” and “May Contain Nuts” — have been recognised with Highly Commended Awards in the Radio & Podcast Production category. “Bang Tidy” was written in HMP Low Newton, while “Inherited Identity” and “May Contain Nuts,” were developed at HMP Styal, also part of the women’s estate. All these productions showcase participants profound creativity, which was nurtured during Inside Change, a programme that develops financial literacy skills through radio drama.

“Everybody should be able to be creative and find [their] own creative side (everyone has one!). The opportunity to find that is phenomenal. I feel so happy! Proud! It makes you feel free. To create the work we’ve made takes you away from prison.”
Larissa, a free inside particpant

Finally, in the Arts Project category, “Dad’s do Stories” and “It’s Not Forever,” illustrated storybooks created by fathers during Inside Stories and My Dad’s in Prison respectively at HMP Oakwood, each received a Commended Award. “It’s Not Forever,” vividly captures the realities faced by families affected by incarceration. Participant, Ryan, reflected on the emotional journey:

“This project has been emotional. It’s nice that we all share that with each other. We’ve all got to know each other a bit better on the wing as well. Not everybody is in touch with their emotional side. It’s all a bit macho in prison. But I think if you want to be upset, you should be upset. We cry. I’ve cried on a visit before.”
Ryan, my dad’s in prison participant

At Create, we believe that everyone should have access to the creative arts. Creativity has the ability to enhance wellbeing, build confidence, and improve mental health. It allows us to express ourselves and envision new possibilities. Through our prison programmes, inmates not only discover their creative potential but also gain vital skills that help to support their reintegration into society.

As always, I would like extend my gratitude to the funders of these projects. Inside Change was funded by Santander UK Foundation Limited. Inside Stories was funded by 29th May Charitable Trust, Clifford Chance Foundation and John Stewart Memorial. My Dad’s in Prison was funded by The Boris Karloff Charitable Foundation, Edward Cadbury Trust, Elle (via HMP Oakwood), The Leigh Trust, and The Michael and Shirley Hunt Charitable Trust.

Furthermore, I extend this gratitude to our professional artists, and staff team for making these innovative projects possible, and to the prisons that continue to welcome us through their doors.

Nicky Goulder, Founding Chief Executive

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HOW PHOTOGRAPHY EMPOWERS CHILDREN LOOKED AFTER

Posted on August 27, 2024 by communications - Stories

HOW PHOTOGRAPHY EMPOWERS CHILDREN LOOKED AFTER

In May 2024, children looked after and care leavers in the London Borough of Waltham Forest took part in a three-day photography project led by Create’s professional photographer, Tracey Fahy.

This was part of our changing:spaces programme curated to turn blank spaces into inspirational places for work or play, using murals and other forms of visual art.

The May project was funded by Fitch Group and produced high quality artwork for its Canary Wharf office, centred around the theme of ‘Celebrating Diversity’.

The project offered a creative experience, enabling the young people to learn new skills, build friendships, develop confidence and self-esteem and have fun, enhancing their overall wellbeing.

We spoke to Isaac about his experience with the project.

LEARNING NEW SKILLS

“[During] the project that I took part in, we took pictures and learnt micro [photography] and street photography, where we went out on the streets and took pictures of people. It was a beautiful and fun experience. It’s something I haven’t done before, and I would never have done it [without this project]. It made me want to invest in my own camera.

“Using cameras just feels more real [than smart phones]. You really have to take into account what you’re taking a picture of. You take the pictures slowly, one by one. It’s more delicate and so you think about what you take more. It’s just like picking your own moments to capture.

“I created a photo of two people walking in front of a colourful building. They were walking at just the right speed, and I captured it at just the right time. It felt good. I had my zoom on, I had it ready, and then just as soon as they walked past, I hit the click and I got it at the right time.”

I want to carry on taking pictures. This was just a life-changing opportunity to have and I don’t take it for granted.

THE JOYS OF COLLABORATION AND CREATIVITY

“Everyone’s style was different. Some people liked taking pictures of everything, because they just loved the fascination of taking a picture. It was amazing working in a group. We just had fun. We all worked together, and we all made the time more enjoyable.”

When you are creative, you use your brain more and you can see how much more powerful your brain is.

“[Being creative] helps you not get anxious; it gives you a break from the real world. Because when you take pictures, it makes you feel like you’re in your own world.”

I learned that you can do whatever you want, if you believe in yourself. And taking pictures is not just about taking a picture, it’s making sure you capture the moment.

ARE YOU EXCITED TO EXHIBIT YOUR WORK AT FITCH OFFICES?

“I think it’s nice because it shows what we can do and what we have done. I am proud [that the artwork will be in Canary Wharf offices] because then they get to know that kids nowadays are not just all stuck to their phones. We can actually do other stuff and we can be artistic and we have creative minds. Because some people think all kids nowadays have no imagination. But technically, we have a good imagination, and that’s what putting these up in the offices is proving.”

Words from fitch

Fitch Volunteer: “Working with Create and Waltham Forest was a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding experience. Seeing the enthusiasm the kids showed and how inspired they became during the photography workshop was truly heart-warming.”

Samantha Goober, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leader and Consultant: “We want children to feel empowered through photography, enhancing their skills, development, and wellbeing. We are excited to showcase their art in our offices, celebrating their creativity and accomplishments.”

The project was funded by Fitch Group