meet Maisie, a young carer from Nottingham
As the Chetwode Foundation’s grant period supporting Create comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the impact this funding has had on young carers across the UK – including through our inspired:arts project in Nottingham, delivered in partnership with TuVida East Midlands.
Over three days in April 2025, a group of young carers came together to explore visual art in a joyful, supportive space – giving them a much-needed break from their caring responsibilities, and the chance to connect with others through creativity.
A Space to Create and Connect
Led by professional artist Anna Clarke, the young participants worked across painting, sculpture and mixed media, experimenting with everything from spray paint to feathers and recycled materials.
Maisie, aged 11, was one of the participants. For her, the workshops were an opportunity to try something new, express herself, and simply have fun:
“We did an art project where we did loads of different activities – sculptures with eco-friendly materials, [making] our own jumpsuits with paint, and flicking paint to create a marble effect. We used buttons, diamantes, feathers and, my favourite, spray paint!”
She particularly appreciated working alongside other young carers she didn’t know before:
“Sometimes it’s nice to work with people you know but sometimes it’s nice to work with people that you don’t really talk to.”
Understanding Life as a Young Carer
Maisie helps care for her 16-year-old brother, who is epileptic, non-verbal and has severe autism:
“If my mum’s busy I’ll help him. I’ll make him toast, drinks, [help] with his iPad. I’ll make sure he’s alright when she’s gone.
Sometimes his behaviour is challenging because he can’t tell my mum what he wants. If he’s got a headache, he gets angry and my mum has to use a helmet to protect her face.
If he’s up all night making loud noises, it’s hard to sleep because he’s right below me.
“sometimes I don’t get as much sleep as I probably should.”
Maisie – inspired:arts participant
Her experience reflects the reality for many young carers across the UK – often carrying significant emotional and practical responsibilities at home while navigating school, friendships and growing up.
That’s why spaces like inspired:arts matter. They offer creative respite, reduce isolation and support wellbeing.
Creative Confidence and Emotional Wellbeing
Maisie found the creative challenges rewarding and stimulating:
“[I felt] very imaginative because [the project] makes your brain think hard. You have to be very precise to be able to build a sculpture, otherwise it’ll just look a bit messy. It makes me [happier] when I get to do art.”
Thank You
The grant from the Chetwode Foundation made it possible for us to deliver this high-quality, multi-artform project in Nottingham. It enabled young carers like Maisie to take part in joyful, hands-on creative activities, build new friendships and social confidence, and enjoy meaningful respite from the demands of their caring roles
Thank you for helping us create these life-enhancing moments.
