Participant Group: Young and adult carers

Meet Billy, a young carer from Cheshire

Posted on March 31, 2026 by communications - Stories, Blogs

Meet Billy, a young carer from Cheshire

A young carer taking part in an animation workshop.

Young carers take on responsibilities that most young people their age never have to consider. Across the UK, there are estimated to be over one million children providing care for a family member, often balancing school, home life and significant emotional responsibility.

Creativity can give young carers the chance to take time for themselves, meet other young carers and express themselves.

Billy (12) is one of the young carers who took part in Create’s inspired:arts programme, which provides creative arts opportunities designed to give young carers respite from their caring role while building confidence, skills and wellbeing.

Growing up with caring responsibilities

Billy cares for his mother, who has multiple sclerosis, and supports his family in difficult circumstances.

“I took on caring responsibilities because my dad has PTSD, which affects him getting a job. I was about six [at the time]. It’s pretty challenging and it has become worse over time.”

Like many young carers, Billy described the emotional strain of responsibility at such a young age:

“As a carer, sometimes you do get those low points because you’re just really stressed and scared about what might happen to the person you’re caring for.”

He recalled one moment that highlights how different life can be for young carers:

“One time when my dad wasn’t there, my mother fell down the stairs. It was late at night and she didn’t want to wake anyone up. I got my mum back up and she called my dad. I don’t think that happens to most [other young people who aren’t carers]. Only when my mum is asleep do I get my own free time.”

Discovering photography and animation

Billy took part in a three-day photography and animation project at Cheshire Young Carers with our professional photographer, Ciara Leeming. During the workshops, he and other young carers explored their creativity through animation, photography and stop-motion:

“We’ve been doing photography and animation. I’ve taken images of the park outside using an iPad and camera and created stop-motion using different materials.”

Through the creative process, Billy discovered new ways of seeing the world around him.

“I’ve learned that photography is more than just taking pictures. It’s [about] actually engaging with the environment around you and thinking about what would be good as a picture.”

Working collaboratively with other young carers made the experience even more meaningful.

“I enjoyed doing the stop motion because it was very fun and I got to work with people I wanted to work with, which doesn’t always happen at school. It was really satisfying [to complete the stop motion] and because other people were watching it with us, it felt more special.”

Why creativity matters

For Billy, creativity offers something powerful – a positive outlet and a way to process the pressures he faces:

“[Creativity] is a way to express yourself, which is really good for your mental and physical health.”

Projects like inspired:arts give young carers a rare opportunity to focus on themselves rather than their responsibilities. By working with our professional artists and connecting with other young carers, they can build confidence, discover new interests and experience the joy of creating.

For Billy and many others, that space can make a real difference.

inspired:arts with Cheshire Young Carers was funded by St James’s Place Charitable Foundation.

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HOW CREATE USES CREATIVITY TO SUPPORT YOUNG CARERS

Posted on March 31, 2026 by communications - Stories, Blogs

HOW CREATE USES CREATIVITY TO SUPPORT YOUNG CARERS

Young carers taking part in a ceramics project.

Young carers often grow up balancing school, friendships and childhood alongside significant responsibilities at home. Across the UK, 51% of young carers provide more than 20 hours of care each week, supporting family members with illness, disability or mental health challenges.

This responsibility can bring stress, isolation and limited opportunities to focus on themselves.

Create’s programmes with young carers provide something vital: time and space to step away from their caring role to connect with others in similar situations and explore their creativity in activities led by our with professional artists.

Through workshops across the UK, young carers discover new skills, build friendships and gain self-confidence.

Finding freedom through creativity

Over three days in October 2025, Maya* (11) took part in an inspired:arts ceramics and sculpture project with our artist Sam Haynes in Hammersmith. During the project, Maya explored creativity through storytelling and sculpture.

For Maya, caring for her mother with fibromyalgia has meant spending a lot of time at home:

“I’ve been caring for my mother [since I was nine years old].”

“I don’t have many chances [to be creative] at the moment. Going out is a bit of a struggle.”
Maya, young carer

For Maya, the project offered a sense of freedom and space for expression:

“I was given the freedom to do whatever I liked, in my own way. I enjoyed [doing the ceramics] because it was very therapeutic and stress-free. [Projects like these] help people express what they feel. Sometimes people bottle it up. [Expressing it] can make you feel like you can spread your wings, you can just be who you are.”

Rediscovering confidence and connection

In November 2025, Lucinda* (15), who cares for her mother with multiple chronic illnesses, took part in an inspired:arts ceramics project in Hillingdon, led by our artist Teresa Paiva. She described how creative workshops can provide an important emotional outlet:

“Working with clay has been very therapeutic. It’s just really nice because you can make anything that comes to your mind and there’s really no limit.”

The project also helped Lucinda reconnect with others:

“I’ve got to know everyone better and connected with a few people.”
lucinda, young carer

“It’s been really nice to talk to everyone and see their ideas. I stopped going to Carers Club for a while; I’ve really enjoyed [this project] and I’m thinking of coming back.”

Creativity as emotional expression

In April 2025, Matilda* (10) took part in change:matters, our programme combining creativity with financial literacy. As part of a group, she created radio dramas exploring real-life money challenges.

Matilda cares for multiple family members including siblings with autism and a mother with epilepsy and Crohn’s disease. She says that creativity plays an important role in managing emotions:

“[Creativity] gets your mind going and you can [explore] problems. If I’m feeling angry, I’ll make dark stuff. But when I’m feeling happy, I’ll do doodles and draw people. So that’s how I express myself with creativity.”

The project offered both creative learning and peer connection:

“[Projects like these] help young carers regulate because they realise a lot of children [are] actually like them. They can make friends that have the same problems.”

Young carers taking part in a radio drama project.

Why these projects matter

For young carers, creativity can provide far more than an enjoyable activity. It offers a safe space to explore emotions, connect with peers who understand their experiences, and discover new possibilities for the future.

By working alongside professional artists and other young carers, participants are supported to build confidence, develop skills and take time that is just for them.

These projects were funded by The Chartered Accountants’ Livery Charity, John Lyon’s Charity, National Lottery Community Fund, Wates Foundation and The Worshipful Company of World Traders.

*Names changed to protect anonymity

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Create shortlisted for Business Charity Award for smart partnership

Posted on March 26, 2026 by communications - News

Create shortlisted for Business Charity Award for smart partnership

We’re delighted to share that Create has been shortlisted for the Business Charity Awards “Marketing Partnership of the Year”, recognising our innovative partnership with smart UK. This collaboration demonstrates the powerful impact of bringing business and creativity together for social good.

A partnership driven by creativity and impact

In 2025, Create partnered with smart UK to deliver a nationwide creative programme exploring the theme “Open Your Mind”. At the heart of the partnership was a shared ambition: to create something bold, meaningful and genuinely impactful, both for participants and wider audiences.

Working with our professional artists, participants from across our programmes – including young and adult carers, mainstream children working with those with special needs, and isolated older people – took part in visual art workshops designed to spark imagination, self-expression and connection.

Each participant created their own artwork in response to the theme, using painting, drawing and collage to explore what “Open Your Mind” meant to them. These individual pieces were then brought together into a vibrant, large-scale collage. The final artwork was transformed into bespoke vehicle wraps for the award-winning smart #1 and #3 electric vehicles, turning participants’ voices into a striking, highly visible creative output.

From workshops to national showcase

The campaign was designed to deliver meaningful creative experiences and to amplify participants’ voices on a national stage.

The ‘art cars’ were showcased across the UK, including at CarFest South in August 2025, and gained significant international media and social media coverage. Through this, the campaign amplified voices that are too often underrepresented, while aligning smart’s brand with creativity, inclusion and community impact.

To bring the celebration directly to the participants, the car was driven to the three projects in London on a single, impactful day, giving them the opportunity to see their work displayed in an exciting and original way. At every stage, the project placed participants at its heart, from the initial workshops through to the final public showcase.

The impact for participants

For participants, the partnership provided more than a creative experience. It offered a chance to be seen, to contribute to something larger, and to have their creativity celebrated on a national stage.

Participants were given the tools, time and encouragement to create freely, knowing their work would contribute to a shared outcome with real visibility and recognition. The resulting artworks reflect individuality, imagination and lived experience – a powerful reminder of what can happen when creativity is made accessible to everyone.

Creativity as a catalyst for change

This partnership highlights what is possible when businesses and charities work together in a collaborative and innovative way.

By combining smart UK’s platform and reach with Create’s expertise in delivering high-quality, participant-led creative programmes, the partnership achieved both meaningful social impact and strong public engagement.

It demonstrates how corporate partnerships can go beyond traditional sponsorship, creating authentic, creative campaigns that engage audiences while delivering real benefits for communities.

Celebrating success

We are delighted that this partnership has been shortlisted by Business Charity Awards. This is a celebration of the creativity of the participants who made this project so powerful, and the partnership with smart UK that enabled their voices to be seen and heard.

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THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR BIG GIVE “ARTS FOR IMPACT” CAMPAIGN

Posted on March 24, 2026 by communications - News

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR BIG GIVE “ARTS FOR IMPACT” CAMPAIGN

Young carers taking part in a Create dance project.

Earlier this month, Create took part in the Big Give’s “Arts for Impact” campaign – a national match-funding initiative supporting arts charities to reach more people through creativity. For one week, every donation made was doubled, making your generosity have twice the impact.

Thanks to the incredible support of the 78 donors who contributed to the campaign, we’re delighted to share that we exceeded – our £13,500 fundraising target, raising £14,507 to support our work with young and adult carers (£16,117 including gift aid).

Adult carers taking part in a visual arts project.

Caring for a loved one can be isolating, exhausting and emotionally overwhelming. Across the UK, 90% of unpaid carers report feeling lonely, and more than half say they feel anxious or depressed. Many have little time for themselves, often missing out on the simple activities that support wellbeing and bring joy. 68% of carers say they are less able to take part in activities that improve their mood, like hobbies and interests, volunteering, or activities in their community.

That’s why your support matters so much.

Through our programmes with young and adult carers, we bring carers together in creative workshops that offer something rare: space to breathe; space to step away from responsibility, connect with others who understand, and rediscover a sense of self beyond caring.

As one participant shared:

The project made me feel like I had a superpower. It was great for my mental health.

These moments of creativity are powerful. They reduce isolation, build confidence and remind carers that they are seen, valued and supported.

“We are truly grateful for the support for this campaign. Every donation represents a belief in the power of creativity to support those who so often put themselves last. Young and adult carers give so much of themselves every day, often with little time for their own wellbeing. Thanks to your generosity, more carers will have the opportunity to step away from their responsibilities, rediscover a sense of themselves beyond caring, and experience the joy, confidence and connection that creativity can bring.”

Nicky Goulder MBE, Founding CEO, Create

We were delighted to have the support of actor, writer, comedian and Create Patron Isy Suttie, who kindly lent her time and voice to the campaign. We are incredibly grateful for her support of our work.

It has been incredibly moving to see so many people come together to support this work. Every donation, every share and every message of encouragement has helped make this campaign a success – and will help ensure that more carers can access the life-enhancing power of the creative arts.

Thanks to you, we can continue to create spaces where carers feel connected, supported and inspired.

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CELEBRATING YOUNG CARERS FOR YCAD 2026

Posted on March 12, 2026 by communications - News

CELEBRATING YOUNG CARERS FOR YCAD 2026

Across the UK, there are estimated to be more than one million young carers – children and young people who help look after a family member with illness, disability, mental health challenges or addiction. Alongside school and friendships, many take on responsibilities at home that can affect their wellbeing, confidence and opportunities to take part in everyday activities.

Young Carers Action Day (YCAD) shines a spotlight on these young people and the challenges they face. This year’s theme, “Fair Futures for Young Carers,” calls for greater recognition and support so that young carers can access the same opportunities as their peers.

To mark the day, Create brought together young carers from across the UK for a special Creative Showcase on Wednesday 11 March 2026. Through a series of creative workshops, young carers explored drama, music, painting, puppetry and textiles – sharing their ideas, stories and talents through art.

Young carers displaying their visual artwork.

A platform for creativity and self-expression

In the lead-up to the showcase, Create’s professional artists worked with young carers during February half-term workshops delivered in partnership with:

Brent Carers Centre
Bury Young Carers
Carers Trust Hillingdon & Ealing
Enfield Carers Centre
Sutton Carers Centre

Across these sessions, participants experimented with a range of artforms including drama, music, painting, puppetry and textiles, creating work inspired by the theme Fair Futures for Young Carers.

The online showcase offered young carers the opportunity to present their work and celebrate their creativity with family members, supporters and partners from across the country.

Why creative breaks matter

Young carers often struggle to balance their caring responsibilities with time for themselves. Research shows that young carers miss an average of 23 days of school every year, and many spend several hours each day caring for loved ones. These pressures can have long-term consequences: less than half of young carers leave school with five GCSE passes including English and Maths, highlighting the urgent need to ensure young carers have fair access to opportunities and support.

Young carers performing at a puppetry project.

Creative activities can provide a vital space for respite – allowing young carers to relax, build friendships and express emotions that can be difficult to put into words.

“If we want to make a real difference in the lives of young carers in ways that build their skills, confidence and wellbeing, increasing their access to the creative arts should be a top priority. As a society, we must recognise creativity not as an optional extra, but as a vital part of holistic support for vulnerable young people. This YCAD and beyond, let’s work to ensure that every young carer can experience the transformative power of the creative arts.”

Nicky Goulder MBE, Founding CEO of Create

Through Create’s workshops, participants are encouraged to explore new artforms, collaborate with their peers and discover their own creative voices. Just as importantly, they are given time to step away from their caring roles and focus on themselves.

One young carer shared:

“It’s a chance for people to see what I am capable of.”

Celebrating young carers’ voices

The Young Carers Action Day showcase highlights not only the creativity of the young people involved, but also their resilience, imagination and individuality.

By providing opportunities like this, Create aims to ensure that young carers are recognised, supported and given the space to develop their talents and aspirations.

Their creativity reminds us that when young carers are given the chance to step back from responsibility and explore their potential, they can thrive.

Thank you to John Lyon’s Charity, The John Thaw Foundation, National Lottery Community Fund, Society of the Holy Child Jesus CIO, and Wates Foundation for funding these projects.

Watch the showcase

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Fair Futures for young carers means better access to the creative arts

Posted on March 11, 2026 by communications - News

Fair Futures for young carers means better access to the creative arts

Across the UK, hundreds of thousands of young people quietly shoulder caring responsibilities every day. Young carers selflessly give their time and energy to look after people close to them, and all too often do not get the support and recognition they deserve. Research by Action for Children estimates that around 800,000 young carers aged 11–16 are caring for a family member in England alone.

Many face not only the burden of responsibility but also emotional strain and barriers to education. Carers face greater risks of physical and mental ill health, including higher rates of selfharm and poorer wellbeing than their peers.

The theme of this year’s Young Carers Action Day (YCAD) – “Fair Futures for Young Carers” – highlights the urgent need for increased support for these undervalued and overstretched young people. If we want to make a real difference in their lives in ways that build their skills, confidence and wellbeing, increasing their access to the creative arts should be a top priority.

Creative opportunities are not a luxury, they are essential. Decades of research proves the substantial mental health benefits of the arts, showing that regular singing, dancing, painting, and other cultural pursuits reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress for people of all ages. If any doubt still remains, Dr Daisy Fancourt’s recent book Art Cure brilliantly sums up the overwhelming evidence for the power of the arts to change lives for the better.

At Create, we know that access to creative experiences can be truly transformative. Our high quality arts projects, delivered by our professional artists and spanning 26 different artforms across the UK, give young carers rare time and space that is entirely their own. Our workshops enable young carers to discover new talents, make new friends, and experience the joy and freedom of creativity. These moments matter deeply for young carers whose daily lives are shaped by responsibility, routine and, too often, isolation.

The scale of the challenges they face remains alarming. Consistent research shows that young carers experience reduced educational attainment and higher absenteeism than their peers, difficulties highlighted in Carers Trust’s recent education report. Without targeted support, these pressures compound over time, impacting longterm life chances.

Creative arts engagement offers powerful ways to help address these inequalities. When young carers take part in our programmes, they step into environments where they are not defined by their caring role, where they can express themselves freely, and where their voices are heard. Creativity nurtures their emotional resilience and builds vital social connections.

Yet despite their value, the creative arts remain out of reach for many young carers. They may struggle to travel to extracurricular activities or lack the financial means to participate. That is why we bring our workshops directly to carers services, where young carers feel comfortable, supported, and safe. Every project we deliver is completely free to participants, because the ability to experience creativity should never depend on financial circumstances.

But continuing to provide these opportunities requires sustainable, committed funding that reflects the life-changing impact of the arts. As a society, we must recognise creativity not as an optional extra, but as a vital part of holistic support for vulnerable young people.

Create is marking YCAD with an online Showcase of work by young carers from five carer services across the UK. The event features drama, music, painting, puppetry, and textiles, specially created by young carers for the day, celebrating their talent, resilience and incredible creative potential.

We know that creativity changes lives. Let’s ensure that every young carer can experience its transformative power leading to Fair Futures for all.

By Nicky Goulder MBE, Founding CEO of Create

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JOY, BELONGING AND A BREAK FROM RESPONSIBILITY: WHAT CREATIVITY MEANS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Posted on December 17, 2025 by communications - Stories, Blogs

JOY, BELONGING AND A BREAK FROM RESPONSIBILITY: WHAT CREATIVITY MEANS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Young people with disabilities taking part in a dance workshop as part of our community:matters programme. They are holding red and orange fabric in the air.

For many young people, the festive period isn’t just sparkle and celebration. Children in care, disabled young people and young carers often face additional pressures, from feelings of isolation to daily responsibilities far beyond their years.

At a time of year that celebrates family and joy, it can be easy to forget that not all children get the chance simply to be children. That’s why creative opportunities matter – not just at Christmas, but all year round.

Thanks to our supporters, we’re able to deliver high-quality creative programmes that offer marginalised children the freedom to explore, express and connect. In 2025, our programmes have supported nearly 1,000 children across the UK. Below, three participants reflect on what that experience has meant to them.

Feathers and fabric layered aroud flowers in the grass.

Confidence and connection for care-experienced young people

Emily* (16) took part in music workshops in Bolton through our:voices, a Create programme with children in care and care leavers. Working with our professional musician Matt Dunn, the group composed original music, played covers and built confidence together:

“I feel great. A lot more confident. Everyone’s very kind and we work well together. The project is really refreshing and it gets you out of the house. I feel brighter. [Being creative] is important because it really lets you open up as a person and you can become more positive.”

Having been in care for eight years, Emily shared how the project gave her a chance to connect with others who understand:

“Sometimes when you’re in care you can struggle to make friends because you can feel a bit down.”

“But [in projects like these] you meet other people” in your situation and you have a fun time with them.”
EMILY, OUR:VOICES participant

CREATIVE FREEDOM FOR YOUNG CARERS

Evelyn* (13) cares for her younger sister who has autism, a constant responsibility that leaves limited time for herself. Over three days in April 2025, our musician Filipe Sousa delivered inspired:arts music workshops with young carers at Bromley Well Young Carers Centre. Through the project, Evelyn had the chance to step away from those responsibilities and focus on creativity:

“We’ve made lots of songs and discovered different ways to make them. I’ve liked playing guitar and bass because they’re [my favourites] and working in a group to create an actual piece has been really enjoyable.

Young carers playing guitars and ukuleles as part of an inspired:arts music workshop.

Evelyn also reflected on the difficulties of being a young carer:

“Sometimes I have to be really careful what I say around [my sister] and I have to help her if she has a meltdown, especially if we’re not with our parents. I have to keep an extra eye out for her, especially because she’s younger than me. I always have her on my mind thinking, ‘is she okay?’

“Lots of young carers may not get the opportunity to do stuff like this.”

“These projects give them a chance to have something to focus on and they don’t have to worry about who they care for.”
EVELYN, INSPIRED:aRTS PARTICIPANT

Exploring expression for disabled young people

Jay* (25) took part in our community:matters programme at Brent Mencap, which supports disabled young people through inclusive, participant-led creative workshops. The programme empowers participants to build social and communication skills in safe, joyful environments.

Young people with disabilities taking part in a dance workshop as part of our community:matters programme.

During the project, Jay joined a three-day dance and visual storytelling workshop led by our professional dancer, Paul Smethhurst:

“We did the tent dance. And then we did some drawing [of our own islands]. I drew the beach. [I was] making textures and going to new places.”

For Jay, the opportunity to be part of a creative team helped build connection and confidence:

It made me feel happy and excited.
jay, community:matters PARTICIPANT

“It warmed up the body and made me feel full of energy. I enjoyed working in a team and meeting new people and seeing old friends. It makes me feel welcome.”

Why it matters – and how you can help

Creative arts offer young people the chance to express themselves, explore new ideas and build community. For those facing additional challenges – such as the responsibility of being a carer, the instability of the care system, or the exclusion that can come with disability – these opportunities can be life-changing.

This Christmas, you can help bring joy, confidence and connection to those who need it most.

Give the gift of creativity – not just for the holidays, but all year round.

Donate now to our Christmas campaign.

Thank you to John Lyon’s Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund for funding these projects.

*Names changed to protect anonymity.

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GIVING THE GIFT OF CREATIVITY: SUPPORTING ADULT CARERS AND ISOLATED OLDER ADULTS This CHRISTMAS

Posted on December 16, 2025 by communications - Stories, Blogs

GIVING THE GIFT OF CREATIVITY: SUPPORTING ADULT CARERS AND ISOLATED OLDER ADULTS This CHRISTMAS

Older adults taking part in a creative writing art:links project.

For many people, Christmas is a time of connection, joy and celebration. But for adult carers and isolated older people, the festive season can be a stark reminder of the challenges they face every day.

At Create, we believe in the power of the creative arts to build confidence, ease isolation and provide moments of light in difficult times. Through our creative:voices and art:links programmes, we’re working year-round to bring creativity and connection to those who need it most.

We spoke to Jenn (78), an adult carer who took part in creative:voices, and Myrium (60+), an art:links participant, about the impact these projects had on them.

This Christmas, your support can help us reach even more people like Jenn and Myrium, giving them the gift of creativity – and a chance to feel seen, valued and heard.

Rediscovering Confidence and Joy Through Writing

Jenn, 78, recently took part in creative:voices, our national programme with adult carers. She attended a six-week creative writing project with Greenwich Carers, led by our professional writer Henry Maddicott. Living with chronic health conditions and caring for others, Jenn described how the years of responsibility had dimmed the spark of her creativity:

“Being a carer, you lose yourself. A greater part of you isn’t there anymore.”

Despite initial hesitation, Jenn found herself enjoying the freedom and lightness of creative writing:

“I wouldn’t have necessarily chosen creative writing for myself, but I thought I’d dip my toes in the water. I came along and found the experience very freeing and non-judgmental. All of my [previous] writing has been under exam rules and bit solemn. This was lighter and the pace of the facilitation was brilliant.

“Some of my mischief is coming back!”
Jenn , CREATIVE:VOICES participant

New beginnings, new connections

In Havering, Myrium* joined art:links, our creative programme for isolated older adults, for a creative writing project led by our writer Justin Coe. After recently relocating and feeling unsure about how to connect with others in a new area, the project was a space for Myrium to feel like part of a community:

“I’m new to living in Havering and I heard about Di’s Diamonds. I’ve only just joined, and I’ve not been on a creative writing course before, so this was something brand new to me. We were put at ease, and it could all be seen as fun, with no judgement.

“[The project] has felt very caring and nurturing. It has been a great opportunity to meet new people.”
Myrium, ART:LINKS PARTICIPANT

For Myrium, the workshops became more than a creative outlet: they were a space for empathy, healing and laughter. Each session offered a gentle invitation to share, reflect and be present.

“[Being creative] has felt like something that was missing for me in my life. Once I got to a certain age, I thought “maybe it’s too late [to be creative]”. But it’s great to get out there and encourage people who think they can’t do it.

“Slowing down and saying ‘I’m just going to give my interpretation’ [through writing] has been good. Acceptance is important for mental health. Different exercises brought up different things for people. It could be quite emotional, but I felt that Justin was looking out for us. It’s given me the freedom just to go with myself and what I feel, what’s coming up at that time. “

Adult carers taking part in a creative:voices creative writing project.

“I want to reassure anyone who thinks they can’t do it: allow yourself to [do it] and you will feel encouraged and safe.”

” I think we will be good friends.”
MOLLY, INSPIRED:ARTS PARTICIPANT

The reality of Christmas for many

While many people look forward to festive joy, Christmas can be one of the most difficult times of year for carers and isolated older adults. One in 10 people in England are unpaid carers, many of whom don’t get time off over the holidays: 77% of carers say they feel more isolated during the festive season. Meanwhile, nearly one million older people in the UK often feel lonely and 670,000 won’t speak to or see anyone on Christmas Day.

For people facing these realities, the connections and confidence our projects create can have a lasting impact. For isolated older adults and unpaid carers like Jenn and Myrium, discovering a creative outlet can be transformative, opening up new passions, friendships and communities that continue beyond the project.

For those who may face isolation, exhaustion or grief during the festive season, having people to turn to and creative practices to lean on can make all the difference.

Work created by adult carers in a creative writing creative:voices project.

This Christmas, you can help bring joy, confidence and connection to those who need it most.

Give the gift of creativity – not just for the holidays, but all year round.

Donate now to our Christmas campaign.

Thank you to City Bridge Foundation, the Johnston Nijman Foundation and White Stuff for funding these projects.

*Names changed to protect anonymity.

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Meet Molly and Hannah – Young carers from Bolton

Posted on December 9, 2025 by communications - Stories, Blogs

Meet Molly and Hannah – Young carers from Bolton

Young carers on a visual arts workshop, trying out photography, in a green park.

Every day across the UK, thousands of young carers like Molly and Hannah take on extraordinary responsibilities. They help their siblings manage medications, cook meals when their parents are at work, navigate challenging behaviour and often put other’s needs before their own to support a loved one. Many are as young as five. Most juggle school, home life and caregiving with little time or space to simply be children.

That’s where inspired:arts comes in. inspired:arts is our multi-artform programme for young carers, providing free, high-quality creative workshops that offer them respite, joy and the chance to connect with others who understand their experience.

Over three days in August 2025, Create artist Laura-Kate Pontefract delivered visual art workshops with young carers at the Bolton Lads and Girls Club.

We spoke to sisters Molly* (nine) and Hannah* (12) – both young carers – about their time on the project.

A creative space just for them

Photographs by young carers laid out on a table.

Both Molly and Hannah care for their older sister, who has autism and ADHD:

“When our mum’s at work, I take care of both [my sisters], even though I’m the middle child.”, shared Hannah.

“We can’t do everything that a normal family should. When we go out, there’s always an argument or one of us ends up getting hurt because she gets angry at [us].”

For Hannah, the project was more than just a break from routine – it was a space for her to explore her own creativity and open up:

“[We all] painted together. It’s been fun and you get to use your imagination.”

“You get to talk to people who understand you.”
HANNAH, inspired:arts participant

Feeling pride through creativity

Molly found joy in trying new techniques and building confidence through art:

“Normally I just do colouring, so I feel proud and I’m grateful and surprised that I’ve done this!”

She also reflected on how the workshops helped to break down barriers with other young carers:

“This project has made me connect more to people because I’ve shared my kindness and friendship with them.”

” I think we will be good friends.”
MOLLY, INSPIRED:ARTS PARTICIPANT

Understanding you are not alone

Reflecting on her experience as a young carer, Hannah spoke about how the project shifted her perspective on her own life:

Artwork by young carers laid out on a park wall.

“Before my sister got diagnosed, I used to think that I had a mean sister. After coming here, I understand it’s not just my family that’s like this and it’s not always her fault.”

“It’s helped open my eyes and see I’m not alone in this.”
Hannah, inspired:arts participant

Why this work matters

Young carers are often isolated, overwhelmed and overlooked. In England, over 800,000 children are estimated to be caring for a family member. Many go unrecognised, missing out on childhood experiences and facing increased risks to their mental health and education,

We believe they deserve better.

Through inspired:arts, we aim to give these young people the creative tools, confidence and connections that allow them to thrive.

Thank you to the Society of the Holy Child Jesus for funding this project.

*Names changed for anonymity.

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LONDON GRAPHIC CENTRE CHOOSES CREATE AS FIRST-EVER CHARITY PARTNER

Posted on November 19, 2025 by communications - News

LONDON GRAPHIC CENTRE CHOOSES CREATE AS FIRST-EVER CHARITY PARTNER

We’re thrilled to announce a brand-new partnership between Create and London Graphic Centre (LGC). As LGC’s first-ever official charity partner, this collaboration will open up exciting new opportunities to champion the power of creativity and support some of the most isolated and vulnerable children and adults across the UK.

cREATIVITY WITH A PURPOSE

At Create, we believe in the life-enhancing impact of creativity, and this belief is reflected in LGC’s mission to support artists and makers at every level. Our shared commitment to creativity, community and accessibility makes this partnership a natural fit.

Together, we’ll be working to raise funds that enable more free, high-quality creative arts workshops for people who need them most including disabled people, vulnerable children, young and adult carers, and older adults facing isolation.

“We are delighted to be partnering with London Graphic Centre, a company that helps artists and creatives unlock their creativity. Its support will enable Create to expand access to the power of the creative arts to the most isolated and vulnerable people in our society, bringing joy, new skills, connection and enhanced wellbeing.” – Nicky Goulder MBE, Founding Chief Executive, Create.

Making it easy to support

From 10 November 2025, LGC customers are able to support Create’s work directly when shopping in-store. Donation points are located at tills, offering a simple way to make a difference.

Every donation – no matter the amount – will help fund creative programmes that build confidence, improve mental wellbeing, reduce isolation and give participants a platform to express themselves.

“We’re thrilled to support Create and help bring the transformative power of creativity to more people. It’s a cause that truly resonates with everything we stand for at London Graphic Centre.”
Michael Want, Chief Operating Officer, LGC.

A Creative collaboration

This partnership marks the beginning of an exciting journey: one that celebrates art not just as a form of expression, but as a powerful tool for connection, empowerment and healing.

We’re grateful to LGC for choosing to support our mission and for championing a more creative, connected society.

Customers can start donating in-store at London Graphic Centre from 10 November 2025.

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