MEET ANAYA, AN ADULT CARER FROM LAMBETH (carers week)

Carers Week is a time to recognise and celebrate the selfless work of unpaid carers who dedicate their lives to supporting others. In honour of this special week, we want to share stories from creative:voices, our multi-artform programme designed to provide adult carers with much-needed creative breaks from their demanding roles. creative:voices not only offers a respite for carers, but also fosters the development of trusting relationships with peers, enhances communication skills, and nurtures new interests and confidence.

Recent statistics from Carers Trust reveal that more than one-third (36%) of respondents reported an increase in their caring role by 20-49 hours a week. Even more striking, one-in-eight respondents (12%) experienced an increase of over 50 hours a week. Despite their tireless efforts, only 55% of unpaid carers say they receive the support they need to fulfil their roles effectively.

Between October 2023 and March 2024, carers from Carers’ Hub Lambeth participated in a macramé workshops led by Create’s professional artist, Sam Haynes. These sessions provided a sanctuary for carers to explore their creativity and find solace amidst their busy lives. Anaya, one of the participants, shared her experience with us.

ANAYA’S caring story

“I’ve got two children who have autism. One is a bit more severe than the other and is in a special education school. I’ve been caring since they were born, so it’s been eleven years. Because of autism, I have to have a routine. I can’t just get up and do things that a [non-carer] parent could do. So, my life is very much revolved around them. It’s very limiting on what you can do. You can’t often do the things you want to do.

“I think the challenges [being a carer] are getting the correct support. And getting respite. You don’t get a lot of respite. You don’t get alone time. You’re doing it 24/7. Literally.”

FEELING FREE THROUGH CREATING

[Being creative] just feels free. You don’t get this space at home so it’s nice to feel free to do whatever you want.

And to do whatever that looks like with no judgement. It gives you space to breathe. You’re not thinking about the routines or the cleaning or organising the cooking. It’s just your space to be completely free.

“I’ve loved it. I’ve had my space every single week for me. I’ve met nice people and I’ve learnt about myself as well, actually to let go. [Create’s artist] Sam said something that stayed with me when we did the tiling. She said ‘don’t think about it’. I had already pre-planned in my mind what I was going to do, but I felt quite limited. And I felt that my best art came from what she said about letting yourself go and being free with your art. And that’s what’s helped me.

“I felt quite accomplished because I’ve seen it all through ‘til the end. And it’s a really good feeling. Taking the art home has been the best feeling.”

This project is funded by The Smiles Fund, awarding funds from Comic Relief.