creative:ReLEASE
“BEING PART OF THE CREATE WORKSHOPS MAKES ME FEEL as though I CAN ACTUALLY ACHIEVE SOMETHING.”
adult carer
the project
Designed in partnership with international law firm, Reed Smith and Carers Centre Tower Hamlets, creative:release is our multi-arts project with adult carers in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
Through workshops led by our professional artists, supported by Reed Smith volunteers, it brings adult carers together to have fun away from their caring responsibilities, develop trusting relationships with their peers, build new skills and grow in confidence.
“THEY CAN BE SILLY BUT THERE’S ALSO A LOT OF SPACE FOR VULNERABILITY AND WE NATURALLY SWITCHED BETWEEN THE TWO.”
rEED SMITH VOLUNTEER
We designed the programme to alleviate feelings of isolation, enhancing carers’ sense of belonging in their community and nurturing their wellbeing.
Each year, the project culminates in a “Red Carpet” event at Reed Smith, where the participants showcase their work and share lunch with Reed Smith staff.
the need
Adult carers are twice as likely to report anxiety and seven times more likely to be lonely compared to the general population. (Carers UK) 81% feel lonely or isolated as a result of their caring role (Carers UK Survey, 2019). 72% say they have suffered stress or depression as a result of caring (State of Caring, 2018), and the proportion of carers who report experiencing poor mental health increased by 10% during the pandemic (ONS, 2020).
The impact of caring goes beyond “just” a commitment of time and energy: many carers also experience social isolation and believe that their physical and emotional health has been negatively affected by their responsibilities. Many are unable to take a break from their caring responsibilities and 42% say that their personal relationships, social lives and leisure time have been restricted. Adult carers often feel a sense of guilt, stress and isolation connected to their caring, which makes access to appropriate support and carer programmes essential to maintaining their emotional and physical wellbeing.
“Sometimes i am worried or scared before i do it but then after i’m like “I did that” and i’m so happy.”
participant
our impact
0%
OF ADULT CARERS REPORTED IMPROVED WELLBEING
0%
OF ADULT CARERS DEVELOPED THEIR SOCIAL INTERACTION SKILLS
case studies
artwork gallery
WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH REED SMITH
creative:release is a partnership with Reed Smith. Employees support the project, working creatively with the participants and building supportive relationships.
