MEET JILL, AN ADULT CARER FROM TOWER HAMLETS

Between June and September 2024, professional photographer Alejandra Carles-Tolra led a series of creative:release photography workshops with carers from Carers Centre Tower Hamlets. The project, funded by Reed Smith, provided adult carers with a creative outlet, time for self-expression and a supportive community where they could connect with their peers.
We spoke to Jill (63), who has been a carer for her son since he was six years old, about her experience of taking part in the project.
THE HEALING POWER OF CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT
In 1992, Jill’s six-year-old son was hit by a car, suffering a traumatic brain injury that left him quadriplegic. Since then, Jill has been his full-time carer, responsible for all of his personal needs: “I wash him, shave him, dress him – it’s all time-consuming because he needs one-to-one care, even during the night. It’s difficult and demanding.”
For Jill, the demands of her role as a carer are all-encompassing, making time for herself a rare luxury.
Being [here] is just an oasis. It’s a sanctuary coming to the carers’ centre and being part of the [project] that Create runs.
THE PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT
For Jill, the creative:release workshops weren’t just about learning new skills, they were about rediscovering herself beyond her caring role. The photography sessions, themed around “How We Grow”, encouraged participants to reflect on their journeys and tell stories through images.
“The project has been such a joy. We’ve created some amazing work – not just photographs, but works of art. They’re powerful pieces.”
Jill, who had always admired photography but lacked confidence with a camera, spoke about how the workshops helped her develop:

“The skills development has been phenomenal for me because I really like photography, but I’m not very confident with a camera. We learned new techniques and it was very informative.”
Beyond learning new techniques, photography became a form of mindfulness for Jill, an opportunity to be fully present in the moment, appreciating small details that might otherwise go unnoticed. Jill also found that the workshops provided a rare sense of time and space away from her responsibilities:
“Having the chance to be creative is huge! It transports you to being more than just your caring role. When you’re a carer, it’s all-consuming, unfortunately.”
This project gave me time for me.
CONNECTING WITH OTHER CARERS
Equally important to the improvements to Jill’s wellbeing was the sense of community that came from connecting with other carers who shared similar experiences. Jill found the group atmosphere to be one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.
“The group is fantastic. The enthusiasm was contagious. It was wonderful to spend time with others who understand the challenges of being a carer.”

The workshops created a space where words weren’t always necessary:
“Sometimes you don’t need words, because we all understand what it’s like to be a carer. You’re always on the back burner because your time is consumed with looking after the person you care for. So, it’s nice to have not just a social outlet, but an emotional and caring outlet as well, because we all understand each other.”
AN OASIS OF CREATIVITY AND CONNECTION
The creative:release project, designed in collaboration with Reed Smith which also provides volunteer support, aims to provide adult carers with a space to recharge, express themselves and build supportive relationships with others.
For Jill, this experience was life-changing:
Coming together fills me with joy. I can’t think of anything more inspiring that being part of something creative and sharing it with others.
At Create, we know that creativity can provide a lifeline for carers, offering them time to focus on themselves and the chance to reconnect with their passions. Thanks to the support of our community and funding partners, we can continue to create spaces where carers like Jill can rediscover their confidence, build connections and experience the joy of creativity.
This project was funded by Reed Smith.