Participant Group: Older people

HOW CREATIVITY CAN TRANSFORM YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

Posted on February 27, 2025 by - Blogs, Stories

HOW CREATIVITY CAN TRANSFORM YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

Engaging in creative activities has been shown to have significant positive effects on mental health and wellbeing. A study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that individuals who spent time on creative pursuits experienced increased positive emotions and reduced depressive symptoms. Additionally, research indicates that engaging in creative activities can reduce stress and anxiety, enhance mood and improve overall wellbeing.

At Create, we witness these positive benefits daily and regularly hear from our participants about the impact of taking part in our projects on their mood and wellbeing . We spoke with participants from our young and adult carer projects, inspired:arts and creative:voices, who shared their experiences of taking part.

BALANCING A CARING ROLE WITH OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

Finding time for oneself while juggling a caregiving role can be challenging. Whether you are an adult or a young person, making space for other responsibilities such as school, work or self-care can be difficult.

inspired:arts is our programme working with young carers, giving them time away from their caring responsibilities to meet new people, build skills and have fun. Aiden (15) took part last year:

“I care for my mum. She has fibromyalgia, which means she has mobility issues; she also has mental health problems. At this stage, doing GCSEs and everything, it’s hard to divide [my] time.”

“It was hard to make time to come [to this project], but I managed to do it. It is challenging, but you find ways to cope.” – aiden

Our creative:voices programme offers adult carers respite and the chance to connect with other carers through the creative arts. Shabana, a participant who cares for her two children, shared:

“I have a 12-year-old daughter who has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and she has a physical disability. She requires a lot of physiotherapy day to day. I also have a seven-year-old boy, who has been diagnosed with autism, dyslexia and has sensory processing issues.

Becoming a carer completely [changed my lifestyle]. I lost my friends. I stopped seeing my family because they didn’t really understand what I was going through. My relationship broke down, as it was just too difficult to juggle a relationship and caring. I always came last.”

MAKING TIME FOR NEW YOURSELF THROUGH CREATE’S PROJECTS

Engaging in creativity not only serves as a mindful escape from daily worries, but also offers participants opportunities to create work they are truly proud of.

“I really enjoyed the chance to express creativity. It was good to see our hard work come to life and it actually turned-out way better than we thought it would. I feel very proud.” – Aiden

“it felt nice [to do something creative]. I haven’t done something like that in a while.” – aiden

“Before this [project], I [had] done nothing creative. Last week was the first time I felt confident enough to put my ideas into practice. I saw some blackberries at the bridge mill and I picked them, extracted the dye from them and then used that dye to print some leaves. And it’s because of what we’ve been doing [on the project].” – Shabana

FINDING RELIEF THROUGH CREATIVITY

Due to the pressure that often comes with caring for a vulnerable person, many carers experience poor mental health. Factors such as financial worries and lack of personal time can increase anxiety and other mental health challenges. Studies show that between 40% and 70% of caregivers have clinically significant symptoms of depression, with approximately 25% to 50% of these caregivers meeting the diagnostic criteria for major depression.

“Without creativity, life would be dull. This project made me happier than I would have been. It’s given me something to do and I’ve been hanging around with friends. So, it definitely made me happier over these three days.” – Aiden

“[This project has] been really uplifting for my mood. I suffer with a low mood, but doing the artwork gives me moments where I feel like my mind is creating space.” – Shabana

I ALWAYS COMPARE IT TO A GLASS JAR, AND MINE’S REALLY FULL, OVERFLOWING AND CRACKED. i’VE GOT NO MORE SPACE TO DO ANYTHING. BUT WHEN I COME HERE AND DO IT, IT EMPTIES SOME OF THAT JAR. – Shabana

These personal stories highlight the transformative power of creativity in enhancing mental health and wellbeing, especially for those in caregiving roles.

The inspired:arts project that Aiden attended was funded by Sarah Jane Leigh Charitable Trust. The creative:voices project attended by Shabana was funded by The Smiles Fund, awarding funds from Walkers and Comic Relief.

MEET NAZANIN, AN ADULT CARER FROM MANCHESTER

Posted on February 27, 2025 by - Blogs, Stories

MEET NAZANIN, AN ADULT CARER FROM MANCHESTER

creative:voices is Create’s multi artform programme with adult carers, giving them respite from their caring role and a chance to meet new people, build new skills and be creative.

For six weeks during September and October 2024, Create artist Rebecca May led a ceramics project with carers at Manchester Carers Forum.

We spoke to adult carer Nazanin about her experience on the project.

NAZANIN’S STORY

“I’ve got three kids. Two of my sons are diagnosed with autism and my daughter has recently been diagnosed with ARFID (Avoidant Resistive Food Intake Disorder). She is on the waiting list for CAMHS assessment for autism as well. I care for their needs, giving them safe environment where they can be [themselves] rather than having to mask.

CARING FOR THEM HAS CHANGED MY LIFESTYLE. i’VE LOST MY FREEDOM.

When you have a child, you lose your freedom, but when you have a child who is neurodiverse, the level of freedom that you lose is even higher because you can’t get a babysitter without worrying [if] their needs [are] going to be met.

It has sometimes made me feel a bit more trapped. A couple of years ago I had to quit my job because it was just burning me out too much. I can’t work, even though I want to, because mentally I can’t concentrate on work and on their needs. And you can’t have a night off. I can get quite overwhelmed, and no matter what I do, I feel burnt out.”

MAKING TIME FOR NEW EXPERIENCES

“I really enjoyed the project. I loved working with jesmonite, because I’ve never come across it before. I love learning new things, so being exposed to a new material that is quick and easy was the best thing for me. It has completely blown my mind, because I never knew it existed. I’ve created lots of trinkets for me and my kids. I’m really happy with what I’ve made. I’m just thinking now in my head about where I can put them in the house.

We ended up with a good group [on the project]. I’ve enjoyed it because everyone is in a similar situation, as we’re all carers, so there’s a level of understanding. It’s nice to share ideas and see everyone’s different points of view and how they interpret what they’ve made. I’ve really enjoyed that.”

CRAFTING FOR MENTAL HEALTH

“I used to do lots of crafts in my younger years, but not so much as an adult because I’m always rushing around thinking about what needs to be done around the house. It was so nice to slow down and do something for myself. Crafting for me is my happy place. I think I feel a lot more relaxed knowing I’m going to dedicate time to [crafting]. I’ve really enjoyed it!

It has definitely benefited [my mental health]. Especially at this time of year, when everything gets a bit depressing, it has got me out of the house. It’s definitely had a positive effect. And I’m a stressor naturally. I’m someone who doesn’t slow down, even though I’ve been told I need to for my health. Being forced to slow down helps.

DOING SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAS REALLY HELPED ME FOCUS ON MYSELF.

I think when you’re a carer, you get so focused on the person you’re caring about, you then forget yourself. These kinds of projects help you move away from being in the house and constantly caring. You can actually focus on your own mental health. I think we need more of these kinds of projects.”

creative:voices was funded by The Smile Fund, awarding funds from Comic Relief and Walkers.

MEET JILL, AN ADULT CARER FROM TOWER HAMLETS

Posted on January 31, 2025 by - Blogs

MEET JILL, AN ADULT CARER FROM TOWER HAMLETS

Adult carers from Tower Hamlet standing in front of their photographs, which are displayed on the wall

Between June and September 2024, professional photographer Alejandra Carles-Tolra led a series of creative:release photography workshops with carers from Carers Centre Tower Hamlets. The project, funded by Reed Smith, provided adult carers with a creative outlet, time for self-expression and a supportive community where they could connect with their peers.

We spoke to Jill (63), who has been a carer for her son since he was six years old, about her experience of taking part in the project.

THE HEALING POWER OF CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT

In 1992, Jill’s six-year-old son was hit by a car, suffering a traumatic brain injury that left him quadriplegic. Since then, Jill has been his full-time carer, responsible for all of his personal needs: “I wash him, shave him, dress him – it’s all time-consuming because he needs one-to-one care, even during the night. It’s difficult and demanding.”

For Jill, the demands of her role as a carer are all-encompassing, making time for herself a rare luxury.

Being [here] is just an oasis. It’s a sanctuary coming to the carers’ centre and being part of the [project] that Create runs.

THE PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT

For Jill, the creative:release workshops weren’t just about learning new skills, they were about rediscovering herself beyond her caring role. The photography sessions, themed around “How We Grow”, encouraged participants to reflect on their journeys and tell stories through images.

“The project has been such a joy. We’ve created some amazing work – not just photographs, but works of art. They’re powerful pieces.”

Jill, who had always admired photography but lacked confidence with a camera, spoke about how the workshops helped her develop:

“The skills development has been phenomenal for me because I really like photography, but I’m not very confident with a camera. We learned new techniques and it was very informative.”

Beyond learning new techniques, photography became a form of mindfulness for Jill, an opportunity to be fully present in the moment, appreciating small details that might otherwise go unnoticed. Jill also found that the workshops provided a rare sense of time and space away from her responsibilities:

“Having the chance to be creative is huge! It transports you to being more than just your caring role. When you’re a carer, it’s all-consuming, unfortunately.”

This project gave me time for me.

CONNECTING WITH OTHER CARERS

Equally important to the improvements to Jill’s wellbeing was the sense of community that came from connecting with other carers who shared similar experiences. Jill found the group atmosphere to be one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.

“The group is fantastic. The enthusiasm was contagious. It was wonderful to spend time with others who understand the challenges of being a carer.”

The workshops created a space where words weren’t always necessary:

“Sometimes you don’t need words, because we all understand what it’s like to be a carer. You’re always on the back burner because your time is consumed with looking after the person you care for. So, it’s nice to have not just a social outlet, but an emotional and caring outlet as well, because we all understand each other.”

AN OASIS OF CREATIVITY AND CONNECTION

The creative:release project, designed in collaboration with Reed Smith which also provides volunteer support, aims to provide adult carers with a space to recharge, express themselves and build supportive relationships with others.

For Jill, this experience was life-changing:

Coming together fills me with joy. I can’t think of anything more inspiring that being part of something creative and sharing it with others.

At Create, we know that creativity can provide a lifeline for carers, offering them time to focus on themselves and the chance to reconnect with their passions. Thanks to the support of our community and funding partners, we can continue to create spaces where carers like Jill can rediscover their confidence, build connections and experience the joy of creativity.

This project was funded by Reed Smith.

EXPLORING DIFFERENT ART FORMS THROUGH CREATIVE:VOICES

Posted on January 31, 2025 by - Blogs

EXPLORING DIFFERENT ART FORMS THROUGH CREATIVE:VOICES

Unpaid carers dedicate their time and energy to supporting others, meaning they often miss out on opportunities to prioritise their own wellbeing. At Create, we recognise the importance of giving adult carers time for self-care, creativity and connection. Through our creative:voices programme, we deliver workshops across the UK, using a wide range of art forms to support carers in rediscovering joy and building resilience.

In 2024/25, we partnered with 16 different adult carer services, to offer participants respite from their caring responsibilities. Projects ranged from textiles and painting to photography and song writing.

We spoke to Ligia, Hilary and Marcus who shared their experiences of creative:voices.

THE CHALLENGES OF CARING FOR A VULNERABLE FAMILY MEMBER

For many carers, the role can feel overwhelming and isolating, especially when their loved ones have complex needs.

Ligia, an adult carer from Lambeth, shared her experience of caring for her son:

“He’s 13-years-old now and he’s autistic. He’s really bright, but he’s very anxious and worried and he catastrophises a lot. He struggled a lot in the transition to year seven. And every day for six months I was fighting for his rights in the school. It’s still not perfect, but we’re getting there.”

Similarly, Marcus, also from Lambeth, balances caring for his son and his mother:

“I’m a single parent. My son is 13 and he’s autistic. [I’m his] primary carer. I also care for my mother, who’s had a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease so her memory is not very good at the moment. It [can] be quite isolating [being a carer]. Because of my son’s autistic state, he’s virtually monosyllabic. Sometimes he refuses to talk to me. I do not often have the chance to do creative things normally due to my circumstances.”

Hilary, from Lewisham, reflected on the challenges of caring for her daughter, who has complex mental health needs:

“I care for my 18-year-old daughter. She’s waiting for a firm assessment for borderline personality disorder, which is one of the hardest mental health conditions to live with. She also has autism and ADHD. So, her needs have always been very complex. I’ve been caring for her all her life.  It’s been quite difficult to manage. “

These stories highlight the immense dedication that carers show and the toll that caring responsibilities can take on their emotional wellbeing and social lives.

ENGAGING WITH DIFFERENT ARTISTIC PRACTICES

Our creative:voices programme offers carers a chance to engage with different forms of creativity, helping them rediscover parts of themselves beyond their caring role.

For Ligia, the textiles workshops were a meaningful way to reflect on her identity and share her creativity:

“We’ve been doing a textiles workshop, exploring a lot of techniques related to fabrics, different textures and materials, and upcycling. On the first day we got the news that our work would be displayed in a [White Stuff] shop window.”

I made a mandala that has got many pieces of who I am. Because as carers, we often put our lives on pause and we can forget who we are. I’m feeling really pleased with it.

Meanwhile, Marcus, who took part in the song writing workshops, described his newfound love for singing:

“I’ve never sung before, other than a little practicing at home when I’m chopping the onions. But I’ve never sung with other people like this. The songs we’ve created are sort of spontaneous. People have written stuff down and the fantastic musicians have added notes and chords to these words. It’s quite magical.”

CONNECTING WITH OTHER CARERS

In addition to exploring their creativity, many carers value the opportunity to build connections and friendships with others who understand their experiences.

Ligia shared how meaningful it was to be in a space where she could speak openly about her son’s challenges:

“I’m a single mother, so there are a lot of things in my social life that get put on pause. That’s why workshops like these are really good for carers. We can come here and talk with other parents in similar situations, which really helps. [These projects] definitely help carers reduce isolation.”

Similarly, Hilary shared how the workshops strengthened her connections with others and encouraged collaboration:

“I’ve met other people and I got to know the people I already knew even better. I liked the group work. I think everybody’s got something to offer. And we all took very different pictures of the same things.”

Marcus also appreciated the group dynamic, describing how uplifting it was to connect with others through music:

“[The workshops have] been a wonderful experience, and the musicians are so creative and spontaneous. There is an element of magic in the room. And I’ve learnt that I have got a little bit of musicality [in] me! “[I’ve enjoyed] the creative process, and the communal aspect to it is wonderful as well. I’ve left here really quite happy with a spring in my step.”

Through creative:voices, carers not only discover new ways to express themselves but also a sense of belonging and support, reminding us that creativity can be a vital lifeline for connection, respite and self-discovery.

We are proud to have won a prestigious Mental Health Award for creative:voices in 2024.

creative:voices is funded by The Smile Fund, awarding funds from Walkers and Comic Relief

HOW CREATIVITY ENRICHES THE LIVES OF PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA

Posted on December 20, 2024 by - Blogs

HOW CREATIVITY ENRICHES THE LIVES OF people with dementia

Creativity holds a unique power to connect, heal and inspire. For individuals with dementia, engaging in the arts can provide a sense of purpose, enhance cognitive abilities, and foster meaningful connections. Through art links, Create’s creative arts programme for vulnerable older people with dementia and age-related challenges, we aim to deliver these benefits with some of society’s most vulnerable people. At Chamberlain House Dementia Resource Centre in West London, our recent six-week music project demonstrated the profound impact that creativity can have on participants’ lives.

THE HEALING POWER OF CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT

Scientific studies have shown that creative activities can significantly improve the wellbeing of individuals with dementia. Engaging in art or music helps activate areas of the brain responsible for memory, emotion and communication. According to Age UK, participating in arts-based projects an reduce anxiety, alleviate depression and increase feelings of self-worth.

Image shows a Create professional musician, leading a music project with older adults
Participants taking part in another art:links music project

At Chamberlain House, Create musician John Webb worked with service users to compose songs inspired by their personal stories and cultural heritage. The project was not just about making music though; it was about creating a safe space for self-expression and connection. Begoña, a staff member at the centre, noted the importance of Create’s longstanding partnership with the centre:

Service users can work with professional artists and do activities that we can’t provide. They benefit very much.

The value of such engagement goes beyond the workshops themselves. Participants find joy in the process and feel proud of their achievements, demonstrating that creativity can be a powerful tool for resilience and growth.

STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION

The impact of Create’s work is perhaps best seen in the stories of the individuals who take part. Begoña shared several moving examples of how art:links has changed lives at Chamberlain House:

Image shows three women smiling and holding hands as they take part in a Create project
Participants at one of our other art:links projects.

Mrs P__, who often avoids activities, found confidence and joy during the music workshops. For the first time, she actively contributed by playing instruments and sharing her thoughts. She was so proud of her involvement that she wanted to invite her whole family to see what she had accomplished.

Mrs S__, who struggles with social anxiety and depression, initially observed the sessions from a distance. By the end of the project, she was playing musical instruments and interacting confidently with others. Her daughter was amazed at the transformation, saying,

i couldn’t believe how well she was engaging in such a big group.

Another participant rediscovered her love for the piano after years of not playing due to dementia. Her family shared that the project reignited her passion, and she began playing at home again.

These stories remind us that creativity can unlock hidden potential, even in the face of complex challenges.

CONTINUING THE CREATIVE JOURNEY

Participants taking part in an art:links visual art project

art:links has left a lasting impression on the participants and their families. As Begoña shared, “We have two ladies who are aware the project is finishing, and they are already asking when the next one is going to be.” The enthusiasm and anticipation for future projects reflect the deep impact that creativity has had on their lives.

At Create, we are committed to providing opportunities for vulnerable people to connect, express themselves and thrive through the creative arts. Projects like art:links not only enrich the lives of participants but also challenge assumptions about what individuals with dementia can achieve with the right support.

Thank you to our funders: The Charity of Sir Richard Whittington [via The Mercers’ Company], City Bridge Foundation and Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s Arts Grants Scheme.

MEET DEIRDRE, AN ADULT CARER FROM NOTTINGHAM

Posted on December 20, 2024 by - Blogs

MEET DEIRDRE, AN ADULT CARER FROM nottingham

Captured at one of our creative:voices projects.

During September and October 2024, Create musician Bethan Roberts led a series of online music workshops as part of our creative:voices programme, designed to provide adult carers with much-needed respite. Delivered via Create Live!, the workshops enabled carers from The Carers Federation in Nottingham to explore their creativity, connect with others and rediscover joy in a supportive and accessible environment.

We spoke with participant, Deirdre (78) who shared her experience of balancing her caring role for her husband with with her own need for creative expression and mental wellbeing.

Deirdre’s Story

“I care for my husband David. We’ve been married for 56 years. He’s got subcortical vascular dementia, which means he’s got all this intelligence but absolutely no memory – about 30 seconds, if I’m lucky. It means everything needs [to be repeated]. He still thinks he can do everything he used to, like cooking, and that puts him in quite a dangerous position.

“We’ve always shared all home responsibilities until [these] last 10 years when he started to decline. Now my responsibilities include trying to get him to exercise and trying to give him a bit of variety in life. I feel sad for him because his freedom of choice is gone now.

Captured at one of our creative:voices projects.

“And I suppose I always lack sleep, which makes me very weepy. Because I need to check on him at night.”

The value of such engagement goes beyond the workshops themselves. Participants find joy in the process and feel proud of their achievements, demonstrating that creativity can be a powerful tool for resilience and growth.

ADDING CREATIVITY BACK IN

“I miss my hobbies. I used to walk a local trail every morning, but I can’t do that now. I can’t just nip to the shops. I’ve lost the ability to write poetry. I’ve had to cut back on everything I do.

That’s where this music [project] has been so important to me because it’s brought creativity back into my life. I have an appointment with it.

“And my main challenge at the moment is I need to think about myself more. This is a good starting point to enabling me, hopefully, to take some of those further steps that I know I need to [take].”

THE POWER OF MUSIC

“We’ve been taking part in a creative music [project] on screen alongside other people. Much to my immense surprise, we’ve written the words and music for a song. It was quite exciting to hear it all come together. We got to see our music grow and develop, in the same way as plants would grow in a garden, which was very rewarding.

Captured at one of our creative:voices projects.

“My favourite part of the workshop was when we coloured along to music. It really linked me to the music. I’ve just bought myself some watercolour pencils so I can do it for myself. I’m excited to try and take it a stage further if I can.”

TEAMWORK

“I’ve gained an awful lot through working as a team and conversing with other people on this project. It’s been great fun to work with people who I hadn’t met before and there were so many talents in the group. The teamwork has been such an important part of the project.”

CREATIVITY AND WELLBEING

“I loved being creative. It took me away physically, mentally, and emotionally from my caring role. I’m very tied down by my caring, because I’m a 24/7 carer with just an hour and a half of help each day. But creating things takes us away from ourselves. When you’re involved in creating, you can’t think about how much your feet ache or how your brain is in a fuzz.

this project has added hugely to my life. It’s added to my contentment because I feel I’ve accomplished something and done something different. I think everybody needs someting creative because it takes you out of yourself into another world.

“It’s difficult to get your own growth or your own needs met when you’re a 24/7 carer. David has no idea of any of my needs now, which can be quite painful because I can’t connect with him in that way anymore. So this project has helped me to consider where I am mentally. This is what brings me to tears. I’ve had to think about myself and not somebody else. I have to think about making sure that I’m all right, as well as my husband. And that makes all the difference.”

Captured at one of our creative:voices projects.

CREATE LIVE!

Create Live! is Create’s platform of online workshops. Running creative sessions online enables us to engage participants who might previously have been unable to take part.

“One of the really good things [about Create Live!] is that is hasn’t taken me out of the house. It’s allowed me to do an awful lots of things, but I’m still in contact with David if I need to be. And he knows where I am. It takes away the stress, because I know that I’ve settled my husband down and that he’s alright. And I know that I can walk out at any point and check on him, which is fantastic.”

creative:voices is one of Create’s many programmes designed to bring creativity, connection, new skills and joy to those who need them most. For Deirdre, it’s been a lifeline – offering respite, self-expression, and the confidence to nurture her own wellbeing.

This project is funded by The Smiles Fund, awarding funds from Comic Relief and Walkers.

Create shortlisted for FANTASTIC FOR FAMILIES Awards

Posted on November 12, 2024 by - News, Blogs

Create shortlisted for FANTASTIC FOR FAMILIES Awards

I’m delighted to share that Create has been shortlisted for the 2024 Fantastic for Families Awards! Our art:links programme has been recognised in the Best Age-Friendly Outreach category, highlighting creative programmes that bring lasting positive impact to older adults across the UK.

EMPOWERING OLDER ADULTS THROUGH CREATIVITY

Through art:links, we’re tackling the critical challenges of loneliness, boredom, and isolation that so many older adults face. In 2020, around 1.4 million older people in the UK reported feeling lonely often, with nearly 200,000 unable to access the support they needed to leave their homes. This isolation isn’t just a feeling – it’s been shown to impact overall health, with links to increased risks of depression and cognitive challenges as people age. By providing spaces where older adults can connect and create, we’re helping to turn the tide on these issues, nurturing resilience and joy through shared creative experiences.

Our art:links programme provides a meaningful response, bringing older adults together in weekly creative workshops that empower, engage and uplift. Research shows that engaging in creative activities can significantly enhance wellbeing, reduce stress and foster a sense of belonging, especially among older adults. In partnership with 12 local services, including Age UK branches, dementia hubs and support centres, our professional artists co-create projects tailored to participants’ needs and interests. From music and ceramics to storytelling and visual arts, each session offers a valuable chance to connect, learn, and thrive in a warm, supportive space.

CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS AND LASTING CONNECTIONS

This past year, art:links delivered 145 workshops with 334 participants across Greater Manchester and London, culminating in exhibitions and performances that celebrated each participant’s achievements. For many, these gatherings with family, friends, and community members are the highlight of the programme, fostering a sense of connection and pride that has lasting effects. One participant captured it best, saying:

“IT HAS AWAKENED MY IMAGINATION.”

art links participant

With the virtual award ceremony on 28 November, when the winners will be announced – wish us luck! – we’re proud to stand alongside so many other impactful organisations that showcase the power of the arts. Our thanks to Family Arts Campaign for this recognition and to our dedicated partners for making art:links possible.

We would also like to thank our funders: The Wimbledon Foundation, The Charity of Sir Richard Whittington (via The Mercer’s Company), The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Arts Grants Scheme and City Bridge Foundation.

You can read more about our art:links programme and the other inspiring initiatives shortlisted here.

Nicky Goulder, Founding Chief Executive

Volunteering at create

Posted on September 23, 2024 by - Blogs

Volunteering at create

Volunteering can be a powerful way to bring people together, strengthen communities, and inspire personal growth.

But don’t take our word for it — three of our volunteers have shared their own experiences, highlighting the personal rewards, the connections they’ve made, and the lasting memories they’ve created with Create.

We spoke to Ben from Reed Smith, who volunteered on our creative:release project, which empowers adult carers who attend Carers Centre Tower Hamlets. Harriet from Brown-Forman shared her experience of volunteering on art:links, a London-wide programme that engages vulnerable older people in creative arts. And Sheen from Ashurst reflected on their time on creative:engagement, our multi-artform project designed for older people living with dementia or mental ill health.

THE VALUE OF GIVING BACK

Harriet: “People can be so busy in work life, they don’t stop and think of others, or spend time helping others. People can get so wrapped up in the day-to-day. So, I think volunteering, and taking that time out to focus on something that’s for other people, is such a nice opportunity. Personally, it’s made me realise that I want to carry on giving back moving forward.”

Sheen: “I’ve got elderly relatives back home in Singapore. As I can’t be there to spend time with them, I wanted to spend time with people who might be feeling similar things. I wanted to give back in this way.”

the importance of creativity

Harriet: “I think [creativity] is important for a number of different reasons, especially from a work perspective. Some people think in a very tunnel visioned way and have a very set mindset. But when you take a step back and do something that’s creative, it really makes you think outside the box. And that encourages you to think like that in the workplace. It makes you break the mould of what you’re doing and look at alternative ways.”

Ben: “As corporate office professionals, we don’t necessarily get a chance to be creative in the workspace. [Taking part in this workshop] made me realise just how important taking that break from the screen actually is. I think having that break is so needed for mental health and your actual physical health.”

Harriet: “Art is really relaxing. It gives you that time to switch off and relax and immerse yourself into something that’s very fun and relaxing. And everyone’s perfect is so different, so it will never be perfect.”

DEVELOPING PERSONAL AND PROFFESSIONAL SKILLS

Sheen: “I think volunteering has definitely contributed to my personal and professional growth. I think something I’ve become better at through this experience is being a good listener. With the participants, they come from very different backgrounds from the clients we interact with day to day at a professional firm. It trains you to listen to a different, diverse group, so it rounds out my listening skills as a whole. Additionally, just being able to connect with these people also helps you to practice empathy. I think [volunteering] definitely makes you a more well-rounded person and it’s also good for your personal wellbeing.”

Ben: “Developing those interpersonal skills and having that personal connection was just lovely. There was one participant who was quite shy and kept herself to herself. But I sat down with her and we started building this lovely plasticine set of her house and her son, who she cares for. We got talking about the things her son loves to do, and how she cares for him. It was so nice to be a part of and to have her telling me about their life. At the end she was so proud of herself because she wasn’t a particularly artsy person. You could see the pride on her face and that it was such a cathartic experience for her. It was so nice to be a part of. I thought; ‘this is wonderful, this is what it’s all about.’”

the impact of volunteering at create

Ben: It was an absolute pleasure to take part and it left me feeling so good. This was such a nice thing to have done, I went to the project and came out of it and just had a smile on my face for the rest of the day. I was just glad I was able to give [Create’s participants] a hand and be part of something that they enjoyed.”

Sheen: “One of the participants opened up to me and shared about how much she really enjoys the sessions. She told me how much she looks forward to them and how it really makes her week and she gets really excited in the build-up. So, knowing that what we are doing really matters to the participants has been a key highlight for me. But even if we don’t hear it directly, we see it. We can see that they’re happy.”

Ben: “Because we [Reed Smith] have done so many projects with Create, you have a whole community of people who [have volunteered on projects]. I can turn around to someone on a different floor and ask how their week’s [volunteering] went. Even if I’ve only done one project, you do feel part of a wider community, and it’s such a nice feeling. Plus, it makes a nice break from talking about legal work at lunch!”

MEET CELIA A CREATIVE:ENGAGEMENT PARTICIPANT

Posted on June 27, 2024 by - Stories

MEET CELIA A CREATIVE:ENGAGEMENT PARTICIPANT

creative:engagement is Create’s multi-artform project with older people with dementia or poor mental health, supported by Ashurst volunteers. The project aims to build skills and confidence, giving participants a chance to express themselves, connect with others and enhance their overall wellbeing.

Between June and September 2023, participants took part in a series of visual art workshops with Create artist Liz Jackson.

Celia (71) has taken part in several Create projects. We spoke to her about what they mean to her.

“What I like about Create, and why I have begged to continue coming here, is because I live on my own. So, it’s nice to come here with a group of people and get to know others.

“Today we’ve been working on weaving – either paper, material or fabric weaving. Some of us have used a combination of materials in order to produce something. But during my visits [to create projects] over the past 18 months now, we’ve done photography, ceramics, jewellery making, fimo clay. I’m not great at any of them, but I enjoy it all. And as far as I’m concerned, you can always learn new things. You can always develop. I like playing around with things and also seeing how well other people do with it.

“I quite enjoy watching others develop their ideas. It’s great fun to be able to do that with other people. We are bouncing off each other and seeing things we hadn’t thought of doing or trying. So, there’s very much this element of working together, creating and chatting that I enjoy.

“For me, it is very important to be able to create. I end up picking up skills and trying out something that I wouldn’t have tried out at home. And it’s great because I don’t have to be an expert at it. We have some information and loads of choices in terms of materials, so we can be creative in the way we want to be. There’s no competition. We have people who advise us, but we can just go with it and enjoy ourselves.

“Create allows people, many of whom don’t have other outlets, to come together. It’s really quite nice working with and making friends with them. I really enjoy that.”

creative:engagement is a partnership with Ashurst. Employees support the project, working creatively with the participants and building supportive relationships.

meet helen, an art:links participant from westminster

Posted on April 29, 2024 by - Stories

meet helen, an art:links participant from westminster

Research conducted by the National Institute on Aging found that involvement in creative activities among older adults correlates with a range of positive outcomes, including improved cognitive function, memory, self-esteem, reduced stress levels, and increased social interaction.

art:links is Create’s creative arts programme for vulnerable older people, enabling them to express themselves, connect with others, build skills and enhance their overall wellbeing.

Between January and March 2024, older adults who attend Age UK Westminster took part in a visual art project led by Create artist Sam Haynes.  

Helen shared her experiences.

LEARNING NEW SKILLS

“[The project] has introduced me to new skills I didn’t have. I’m not a creative person, so I came to learn and it’s been fascinating. I love seeing new things and how to create things, so it’s widened my knowledge.

It was very inspirational. It opened my own mind to different things, which I think is so important.

HELEN

“You can get very stuck in your ways, and very closed in, but I think in this stage of life you still want to learn things and it’s lovely to learn new skills.

meeting new people

“I love meeting new people. Just as much as I’ve learnt from the team here, I’ve also learnt from the other people taking part. I really enjoyed that. I tried to sit next to different people, because you engage with them and you watch how they approach art, and that’s where you learn. Art is very much open to interpretation, and we all have a different slant. There are quite a number of very local people that I now pass in the street and we engage in conversation, so it’s quite inclusive.

It’s just been so lovely seeing all the different artistic flairs.

helen

“I haven’t had the best of health in the last six months, and I found that living at home on my own, it’s been nice to re-engage with people. And the decoupage is something I know I will continue with at home. I’ve already bought the glues and paints.

This project was supported in London by The Charity of Sir Richard Whittington (via The Mercers’ Company) and City Bridge Foundation.

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