THE PROJECT
our:voices is Create’s multi-artform programme with children in care and care leavers. Each project aims to build skills and confidence, giving participants a chance to express themselves, connect with others and enhance their overall wellbeing.
Create launched our:voices in 2023 in response to the experiences and needs of children in and leaving the care system. Each project provides high quality creative arts experiences that allow children in care or care leavers to have fun collaboratively, learn new skills, build friendships and develop confidence, resilience and self-esteem. Participants’ ideas are encouraged, listened to and incorporated in the creative process, helping them to feel heard and valued.
THE NEED
Children in care and care leavers face multiple challenges and have to navigate a great deal of uncertainty in their lives. A report by Coram Voice found that a larger proportion of young people in care (aged 11-18 years) rated themselves as having ‘low life satisfaction’ compared with young people in the general population.
Other research found that being given opportunities in community activities was recognised by young people as an important way of developing social skills, confidence, and self-esteem. They also
reported that having encouragement, opportunities and resources to have hobbies and do fun and exciting things is important, as it made them feel like they had the same chances as other children.
our:voices supports the mental wellbeing of children in care and care leavers by enabling them to release stress, express themselves, increase social connection and develop skills and confidence.
“[Being creative] helps you not think about other things. You don’t get anxious; you just go along with things and it gives you a break from the real world. Because when you take pictures, it makes you feel like you’re in your own world.”
participant
our impact
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OF PARTICIPANTS ENHANCED THEIR CREATIVITY
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OF PARTICIPANTS IMPROVED THEIR TEAMWORK SKILLS