our:voices
our:voices is Create’s multi-artform programme with children in care and care leavers.
There are currently more than 100,000 children in the UK who are looked after away from home. Each year, an additional 39,000 children and young people enter the care system, amounting to 100 each day.
Over 10,000 young people in England leave the care system on their 18th birthday. Care leavers comprise 25% of England’s homeless population. 41% of care leavers aged 19-21 are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), compared to 12% of all 19-21-year-olds nationwide.
Reports by children’s rights organisation Coram Voice of children in care and care leavers’ experiences highlight the importance of opportunities for social and leisure activities. Care leavers also emphasise the value of time spent with others in similar situations, and the importance of friendships in offering emotional support as well as reducing isolation.
Create’s creative arts programme, our:voices, gives children in care and care leavers the opportunity to work with professional artists to explore their creativity and develop social skills and resilience. The projects provide a supportive environment where self-expression is encouraged and participants can learn about themselves and one another. Through the creative arts, the young people develop positive relationships, build confidence, and boost their mental wellbeing.
Click below to find out about our projects with children in care and care leavers.
“The activities helped the children to enhance their confidence as everybody was given an opportunity to create something unique.”
Staff
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