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