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.