HOW CREATIVITY BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER
Humans are inherently social. Yet loneliness and isolation are growing challenges across the UK. According to the Campaign to End Loneliness, 3.83 million people in Britain regularly experience loneliness, while carers and older adults are among the groups most at risk.
One of the most effective ways to build connection is through shared experiences. When people work towards a common goal, conversations happen more naturally, confidence grows and communities begin to form.
That is why creating together sits at the heart of every Create project.
Finding connection through creativity
In summer 2025, adult carers in Harrow took part in a creative:voices mosaics project, led by Create artist Teresa Paiva.
For Anika, who has spent 15 years caring for family members, the project offered more than a creative outlet:
“People [have] connected with each other. The group has been really supportive.”
Together, participants designed and created mosaic tiles which were later installed outside the building.
“I got emotional seeing the [mosaics] installed outside the building. I’m so proud and everybody’s done really unique and beautiful artwork.”
The shared creative goal helped participants support one another while creating something lasting to enhance their community.
Shared experiences
In autumn 2025, carers in Enfield explored radio drama through our creative:voices project, with Create writer James Baldwin.
Harry, a former teacher who cares for his autistic son, described how caring responsibilities can affect social connections:
Carers tend to be more isolated than other parents, so bringing [them] together is really beneficial.
Harry, creative:voices participant
As participants worked together to write and produce a radio play, they connected with one another, creating bonds that would live beyond the workshop:
“The [other carers] are a really nice bunch of people, and I hope we all keep in touch.”
For Harry, the opportunity to spend time with people who understood his experiences was just as important as the creative activity itself.
Combating loneliness in later life
Community is equally important for older adults.
At the end of 2025, participants at Lorenco House in Haringey took part in music workshops through our art:links programme, led by musician Joe Steele.
Philippa (77) explained the difference that projects like these can make:
[Projects like this] bring us together. You feel you have somebody. You are not isolated, you are among people, which is very good indeed.
Philippa, art:links participant
Research shows that social connection is closely linked to wellbeing in later life. Creative activities provide a natural way for people to meet, collaborate and share experiences.
Why creating together matters
Whether making mosaics, producing radio drama or performing music, the creative activity itself is only part of the story.
What often matters most are the conversations, encouragement and friendships that develop along the way.
At Create, we see this time and time again: when people create together, they connect with one another, build confidence and become part of something bigger than themselves.
Thank you to City Bridge Foundation, The Headley Trust, Johnston Nijman Foundation and White Stuff for funding these projects.
