the project
creative:voices is our multi-artform programme that enables adult carers to take a creative break from their caring responsibilities, build trusting relationships with their peers and develop communication skills, new interests and confidence.
Each project gives adult carers the opportunity to explore their creativity and self-expression in high quality creative arts workshops led by our professional artists.
Meet Geeta, who took part in a creative:voices project in Harrow
the need
One in eight adults in the UK is a carer (Carers UK). Carers provide unpaid care for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems (Carers Trust). 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.
The impact of COVID-19 has increased the number of unpaid carers in the UK by 4.5 million (Carers UK). 81% of carers feel lonely or isolated as a result of their caring role (Carers UK Survey, 2019). 72% of carers say they have suffered stress or depression as a result of caring (State of Caring, 2018). The proportion of carers who report experiencing poor mental health has increased by 10% during the pandemic (ONS, 2020).
creative:voices was designed to alleviate feelings of isolation and enhance wellbeing, enriching carers’ sense of belonging in their community and increasing their confidence in themselves and their abilities.
ARTWORK GALLERY
Artwork from a creative:voices ceramics workshop with adult carers
A piece from a costume design workshop
Collages from a creative:voices Kingston project
Ceramics from our creative:voices project in Lewisham
CASE STUDIES
