Participant Group: Young and adult carers

Supporting Young Carers to Create and Connect This Christmas

Posted on November 30, 2024 by communications - Blogs

Supporting Young Carers to Create and Connect This Christmas

Christmas can be a difficult and isolating time for young carers, due to the intensity of their caring responsibilities. Action for Children’s UK-wide survey of young carers under 18 found that 21% are providing care for a loved one for more hours than the average workday, dedicating 11 hours or more each day during the Christmas break. We spoke with Raven, a nine year-old young carer from Winchester, who recently took part in our art:space project. The project gives young carers the chance to do something for themselves and express themselves through the creative arts.

caring for a loved one

“I care mainly for my little brother, because he’s got autism, and he doesn’t understand things as a normal child would. I play with him a lot and it’s fun. We get on well because we’re good brothers and sisters. It’s just sometimes I need a little bit of a break. And thank [goodness] Winchester Young Carers introduced me to Create. It’s really nice to be here. It helps young carers because sometimes when you are caring for someone, you need to take a breath of fresh air and to take a step out the house for a second.”

community through the creative arts

As a result of their caring responsibilities, 44% of young carers interviewed by Action for Children reported missing out on Christmas social events. This sense of isolation over the holidays contributes to feelings of stress and loneliness for one in five young carers. Raven shared the positive impact that art:space had on her social skills and confidence.

“We have been using our imagination and creating sculptures and little pieces of art. We’ve been using a lot of different art materials, like cardboard, foam, spray paint, paint and paper. It’s been really fun to explore with all these materials.

I have never made [foam sculptures] before. I made some cat ears and I actually felt amazed [when I finished them] because I didn’t think they would look as good as they did.

It’s been very good [working as a group]. We’ve been socialising how we should, and everyone is working together in a safe environment. There’s been lots of kids here I didn’t know, so it’s upped my confidence for socialising. I’ve had a lot of help from the staff and other kids and it’s been really wonderful.”

being creative

Raven’s experience at art:space highlights the importance of creativity in young people’s lives. For young carers like Raven, having the chance to explore their imagination freely is essential. It brings a sense of joy and accomplishment that can be hard to find amid the pressures of caregiving.

“I’ve enjoyed how I could use my imagination. [Being creative] feels really good. It’s really fun, and you can just do whatever you want with our imaginations. It is very important, because you do need to use your imagination once in a while, even when you’re an adult, you still need to use it.”

art:space is part of Create’s extensive provision to empower young carers across the UK. By offering them a safe place to create, express and connect, we aim to make the holidays a bit brighter and help young carers like Raven discover their full potential. This Christmas, we invite you to support Create’s mission to bring creativity and joy to young carers across the UK all year round.

THE CREATIVE ARTS AND THE COST OF LIVING

Posted on August 21, 2024 by communications - Blogs

CREATIVE ARTS AND THE COST OF LIVING

Since 2022, the cost of living in the UK has surged, severely impacting the arts sector and broader creative industries. In its newly published The State of the Arts report, Campaign for The Arts reported that local government revenue funding for culture and related services decreased by 29% in Scotland, 40% in Wales, and 48% in England.

In our 2023 Create/Jacksons of Yorkshire survey, we found that 27% of Brits identified lack of money as a barrier to being more creative. Our projects reach those who have least access, focusing on engaging the UK’s most marginalised participants in inspiring, sustainable arts initiatives in areas where provision is poor and engagement in the arts is low.

Access to the creative arts is essential, offering numerous life-enriching benefits. As the Creative Health Review highlights in its report, the arts build social cohesion, improve health conditions, enhance quality of life and improve mental health and brain health.

We spoke with Create participants about the impact of the cost-of-living increases on their lives and the benefits our projects have provided.

BARRIERS TO THE ARTS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF ENGAGING

Elizabeth, an adult carer from Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre, and Cindy, an adult carer from Harrow, who took part in our creative:voices programme, opened up about their experiences with money.

Elizabeth: “There are barriers that stop me from being creative, like time and money. It’s very expensive, particularly if you’re on a pension or you’ve had to give up work. The Carer’s Allowance is next to nothing, so affording to do things that are for you is not really a priority.”

Cindy: “Projects like this help [carers] to meet one another because we are isolated in what we do. We’re at home a lot of the time and, because we have very little money, some of us can’t go out and socialise. It costs a lot of money to take care of children who have disabilities. Therefore, projects like this one are perfect. If I’d had to pay for it, I’d really have thought twice. When I found out the project was free, I was amazed.

“The project [I took part in] was ceramics. We used self-hardening clay, which is brilliant because you can see the results immediately and you get a real sense of achievement.”

Elizabeth: “I have really tried to engage with all the different Create projects and found that I liked things that I didn’t think I would like. I think it’s important because it gets people together [who] wouldn’t necessarily have opportunities to meet. It goes across class, gender, age. I’m not particularly sociable. I don’t have any family, so it’s just us on our own. I’ve learnt that I can be a bit more sociable. I think I need people and connection a bit more than I think I do. It does do you good.”

creative:voices is funded by The Smiles Fund, awarding funds from Walkers and Comic Relief. Learn more about creative:voices here.

HOW CREATE PROJECTS BOOST CONFIDENCE AND FINANCIAL AWARENESS

Avita, a young carer from Bromley, and Kai, a young carer from Romsey, took part in our creative financial literacy programme, change:matters. They spoke to us about their experiences and knowledge of money and how change:matters brought joy and understanding.

Avita: “It’s really expensive, life now! Every time we go out, I want to get things, but now I realise that every little thing adds up. I really enjoyed learning about money, the way it works, how much things really cost and just adding it all up. By the end of the year, it could cost so much. [The project] is going to help when we’re older, knowing about how things cost, and how to budget.”

Kai: “With how life’s going now, it’s got to be one of the most crucial things to learn because if we don’t know much about money, things will get a lot worse.

“The best way to learn is practically. You engage, and actually feel like you’re learning a lot more than if you’re just being talked at. [change:matters was] a nice balance between information and doing something creative. I think it should be more common, more people should learn about money.”

Avita: “I’ve enjoyed that I’ve made some friends and [the project] has given me a confidence boost with my music skills. I think this might make me start going to school [music] lessons. It’s quite fun working with other people who I don’t know.”

Kai: “The project itself was epic. I enjoy doing creative things. Doing it with friends, learning new things and meeting new people overall it was one of the best things ever. I think it’s a brilliant thing to learn, especially with how I learned it. You gotta live life creatively.”

change:matters is funded by The Chartered Accountants’ Livery Charity. Learn more about change:matters here.

MEET saba, AN ADULT CARER FROM manchester (carers week)

Posted on June 10, 2024 by communications - Stories

MEET saba, AN ADULT CARER FROM manchester (carers week)

This Carers Week, we are shining a spotlight on the 5.7 million unpaid carers across the UK, whose dedication often goes unnoticed. Despite their vital role, only 32% of these carers can access a break whenever needed, as highlighted by research from Carers Trust.

At Create, we recognise the importance of respite for carers. That’s why we developed creative:voices our programme, which offers adult carers a chance to step away from their responsibilities and immerse themselves in creative activities. creative:voices enables carers to build trusting relationships with their peers, develop communication skills, discover new interests, and boost their confidence.

For six weeks in September and October 2023, carers from Manchester took part in ceramics workshops with Create’s professional artist Rebecca May.

Saba told us about her experience.

SABA’S caring story

“I care for my children. Both my children have got special needs. The major care is for my son because he’s diagnosed with autism. My daughter is on the spectrum, but she doesn’t need that much support. But my son … it’s really hard.

“My caring responsibilities have affected my lifestyle a lot because all the time I’m worried and thinking about my children. And I’m doing every little thing for them because they can’t do everything for themselves. So, I have to overthink. I’m totally occupied. My brain is totally occupied, thinking all the time, day and night.

“Coming here … it gives me a break from that.”

THE IMPORTANCE OF CREATIVITY

“I’ve taken part in the ceramics workshop with Create. I played with natural clay and Jesmonite. It was so creative and it formed very beautifully. With just natural and simple things you can create something so amazing and you come close to nature. It’s so valuable.

“And it makes you feel so good. All the time we’ve got so much pressure in our heads. I think that released.

You’re not thinking about your problems, you just forget everything and you put all your mind into creating something. It makes you feel outstanding.

“I have learnt a lot about myself. I was always feeling that I’m not doing much in my life. But when I created something, I felt that I’ve got so much talent in me which I did not know. I really felt very confident in creating those beautiful pieces.”

CONNECTING THROUGH CREATING

“The group was excellent. All of us were carers and we all have our own issues, but when we came together creating something, there was a very positive vibe amongst the group. And socialising is not so easily accessible for carers. I really enjoyed it, because we hardly get an opportunity like this.

“And I think it gave a lot of confidence to everyone because everybody was appreciating each other. I’ve enjoyed the appreciation that I got. I couldn’t believe that I could create such beautiful pieces myself. There was a lot of positivity in the group because everybody was creating something really amazing.”

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

MEET ANAYA, AN ADULT CARER FROM LAMBETH (carers week)

Posted on June 10, 2024 by communications - Stories

MEET ANAYA, AN ADULT CARER FROM LAMBETH (carers week)

Carers Week is a time to recognise and celebrate the selfless work of unpaid carers who dedicate their lives to supporting others. In honour of this special week, we want to share stories from creative:voices, our multi-artform programme designed to provide adult carers with much-needed creative breaks from their demanding roles. creative:voices not only offers a respite for carers, but also fosters the development of trusting relationships with peers, enhances communication skills, and nurtures new interests and confidence.

Recent statistics from Carers Trust reveal that more than one-third (36%) of respondents reported an increase in their caring role by 20-49 hours a week. Even more striking, one-in-eight respondents (12%) experienced an increase of over 50 hours a week. Despite their tireless efforts, only 55% of unpaid carers say they receive the support they need to fulfil their roles effectively.

Between October 2023 and March 2024, carers from Carers’ Hub Lambeth participated in a macramé workshops led by Create’s professional artist, Sam Haynes. These sessions provided a sanctuary for carers to explore their creativity and find solace amidst their busy lives. Anaya, one of the participants, shared her experience with us.

ANAYA’S caring story

“I’ve got two children who have autism. One is a bit more severe than the other and is in a special education school. I’ve been caring since they were born, so it’s been eleven years. Because of autism, I have to have a routine. I can’t just get up and do things that a [non-carer] parent could do. So, my life is very much revolved around them. It’s very limiting on what you can do. You can’t often do the things you want to do.

“I think the challenges [being a carer] are getting the correct support. And getting respite. You don’t get a lot of respite. You don’t get alone time. You’re doing it 24/7. Literally.”

FEELING FREE THROUGH CREATING

[Being creative] just feels free. You don’t get this space at home so it’s nice to feel free to do whatever you want.

And to do whatever that looks like with no judgement. It gives you space to breathe. You’re not thinking about the routines or the cleaning or organising the cooking. It’s just your space to be completely free.

“I’ve loved it. I’ve had my space every single week for me. I’ve met nice people and I’ve learnt about myself as well, actually to let go. [Create’s artist] Sam said something that stayed with me when we did the tiling. She said ‘don’t think about it’. I had already pre-planned in my mind what I was going to do, but I felt quite limited. And I felt that my best art came from what she said about letting yourself go and being free with your art. And that’s what’s helped me.

“I felt quite accomplished because I’ve seen it all through ‘til the end. And it’s a really good feeling. Taking the art home has been the best feeling.”

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

Meet ASTRID AND Wren, young carerS from BURY

Posted on May 28, 2024 by communications - Stories

Meet ASTRID AND Wren, young carerS from BURY

Since establishing Create’s Manchester hub in 2021, we have expanded our programmes across the North West of England, with 21% of all Create projects now taking place across this region. During the 2024 February half term , Create artist Ben Mellow led an inspired:arts drama project with young carers in Bury.

This provided young carers with a valuable opportunity to take a break from their caring responsibilities, have fun, learn new skills, build relationships, and express themselves creatively.

We spoke to Astrid (10) and Wren (9), who participated in the project.

astrid

“I started being a young carer at the end of 2022 for my mother with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. My dad has autism and ADHD. I help my mum and learned self-care from a young age. My life is different because my mum’s disability limits outings. When younger, other kids went places with parents, and I wondered why I couldn’t have that. I get anxious when separated from my parents and worried about going far from home.

“It was good to do something creative because I’m not creative. [During the Create project] we’ve been learning the performing arts and we’ve created images on stage. I enjoyed learning about what it’s like being at a theatre. I felt quite comfortable on the stage doing the acting because I felt safe and in the space with all our friends.

“I think these projects help young carers because they get you out of your comfort zone, and they help you try different types of art and performances. It’s good to do because some people can find something new that they like or find a new skill that they might have been hiding. And it’s fun to meet other people as well. I learnt that I can be more comfortable around people and more comfortable asking for things and asking questions.”

wren

“I started being a young carer when I was seven because my mum and my brother need quite a lot of support. My mum can’t do stuff by herself, and my brother has [severe] autism. Once I was off school for a week because I had a really bad stomach ache about how my mum was going to cope with my brother. I don’t normally do things like this because I get separation anxiety away from my mum, due to how much she struggles.

“[Projects like this] help young carers. We get to meet new people that we may have never seen before and express ourselves and our feelings. This week we’ve been working together as a team and we worked on the loop station to create soundscapes. I’ve enjoyed that we get to meet new people. At first it was bit nerve wracking, but as time went on it just got a bit easier. I started off not really understanding how to communicate with other people that I’ve never met, but then I got better and better with communicating. The [rest of the group] were really nice and were really fun to work with. They came up with really good ideas.

MEET PAM, AN ADULT CARER FROM sefton

Posted on May 28, 2024 by communications - Stories

MEET PAM, AN ADULT CARER FROM sefton

creative:voices is Create’s 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.

According to Carers UK, 47% of carers said they needed more breaks or time off from caring.

For five weeks in May and June 2023, carers from Sefton took part in a mosaic project with Create’s professional artist Ruth Dillon. Pam (65) told us about her experience.

Pam’s caring story

“I cared for my husband and my mum, but my mum’s died now. She was 95 and had dementia for 18 years. My husband died in 2012. I do feel now the emptiness that they’ve gone. You think you’ll never laugh again but you do. I do have my moments but I’m looking back and thinking “how did I manage all of that?”.”

working with create

“We learnt about the [colour] spectrum, using colours in a certain way, which I’ve never thought of when I’ve done artwork. I’ve just sort of thrown myself into it, so that was different. Then, we went onto model making which was just lovely. Same with this mosaic. I just feel so pleased with what I’ve done. I made a hen and it’s my pride and joy on my mantlepiece at the moment.

“I do need motivation at times so this project has given me encouragement. It’s forced me in a good way. I’ve learnt not be afraid to have a go.

I’ve enjoyed everything – meeting everybody, the atmosphere, the format, the social aspect, and the fact that it’s quality projects we’re making. I can appreciate and feel good about it. I’ve got something to keep and look back on.

“I’ve bonded with the group and you wonder about them some weeks when they’ve not turned up. We help each other and share ideas. We plod on and maybe inspire each other to some point.”

THE JOY OF CREATING

“While I’ve been doing things here, I forget about all the other things going on in my life.”

“It’s just a lovely thing. It’s something that only you have done and you take ownership of it. I’d recommend it to anybody! You’ll be surprised at how good the work is. Everybody’s work is very pleasing.”

MEET MILLY, A YOUNG CARER FROM SOUTHWARK

Posted on March 30, 2024 by communications - Blogs, Stories

MEET MILLY, A YOUNG CARER FROM SOUTHWARK

Young carers from Southwark participated in our art:space dance project with Create dancer Georgie Mizu. Developed in 2007 in partnership with British Land, art:space was our first project with young carers and has been running for 17 years. The project continues to give young carers vital time to do something for themselves and a way to express themselves through the creative arts.

Young carer Milly shared her experiences with us.

BEING CREATIVE

Everybody has a spark of creativeness deep-down, and it can come out at any time.
Milly

“I don’t always get to be creative at home, but at art:space I’ve been able to show my creativity through dance. There are so many different variations of dance, beyond what I knew before. This project has let me explore silk dancing, choreography, and music.

“I’ve also had the chance to listen and learn from other people’s ideas and work with others to create something incredible!”

BUILDING CONFIDENCE

“We’ve created choreography which we’re going to perform in front of our parents.”

I’ve loved being a part of building the choreography. I’ve got to create something of my own to add to the group dances.
MILLY

“Working with Georgie and Joe [Create artists] has been so lovely, I could really relate to Georgie as she felt like an older version of me! I’d love to work with them again.”

SHOWING EMOTION

You can make someone happy by dancing. There are certain dances that can change a mood, an emotion, or how someone is feeling. It’s inspiring.
Milly

“I feel so happy and calm when I dance; it lets me truly be creative and express myself. I hope other people can be inspired by our dances and seeing me follow my dreams performing on stage.”

This project is funded by British Land

Meet Daliya, a young carer from BARNET

Posted on March 30, 2024 by communications - Blogs, Stories

Meet Daliya, a young carer from BARNET

During October half term in 2023, Create artist Renata Minoldo led a visual art project with young carers in Barnet. This enabled the young carers to take a break from their caring responsibilities, have fun, learn new skills, build relationships and express themselves.

We spoke to Daliya (12), a young carer from Barnet who took part in the project.

THE IMPACT OF BEING A YOUNG CARER

According to research conducted by Carers Trust (2023), caring often affects the amount of time young carers can spend with their friends. In fact, 40% of young and young adult carers reported that their caring responsibilities significantly impact their social interactions. As a result, 26% of them feel excluded from their friends’ activities, creating a sense of isolation and disconnection.

Create’s projects give young carers the opportunity to connect with others and explore their creativity and self-expression in high-quality creative arts workshops led by our professional artists.

Daliya’S STORY

“My mum has dermatomyositis and it makes it really difficult to walk and she’ll get tired really easily. She has breathing problems and muscle problems as well. So, probably about the time I was 10, I started taking care of her a lot. And I always help her in day-to-day stuff, for example doing the laundry, because it will be quite difficult for her to do it.

I think being a young carer I’ve had quite a different experience to other people my age.
DALIYA

“You have much more responsibility to take care of your parent. And then on top of that you have school work and then you also have to think of yourself. So, it’s a big impact compared to other people my age. If we have homework to do, I have to have that free time to do so, but most of the time I’m taking care of my mum. Sometimes I can be quite difficult.

“But it’s also such a great thing. You’ve learnt something like a chore that’s quite difficult to do at a certain age. So, it’s really great to learn those skills. And I feel like I have a mindset to my future.”

DOING CREATE PROJECTS

“We’ve been creating jewellery and using fabric and different materials. It was nice because I got to use my creativity and imagination. I’ve learnt a lot about using different materials and I’ve learnt wirework as well. I found that I am really good at imagination and learning colour combinations. And I’m really good at remembering things so next time I’ll remember how to do it. I was really happy with what I made. I was actually quite proud of myself.

“I do creative things very rarely. Before I joined Barnet Young Carers, I didn’t really have materials to do arts and crafts. Barnet Young Carers help me quite a lot.”

“The (Create) projects help carers especially in the half term. Instead of sitting at home, we can go out and about, socialise with others. Instead of sitting at home, we can be here doing different activities and having fun.”

“I’ve loved to socialise with other people and share our ideas. It was nice because you can talk to other people, you can have fun. We got to communicate and if someone needed help we could go and help them. I learnt that if we’re stuck it’s ok to ask others for help.”

This project was funded by Sarah Jane Leigh Charitable Trust

MEET AVITA, A YOUNG CARER FROM BROMLEY

Posted on March 21, 2024 by communications - Blogs, Stories

MEET AVITA, A YOUNG CARER FROM BROMLEY

There are more than one million carers aged under 18 in the UK and an estimated 600,000 others aged 18 to 25, according to a 2023 Carers Trust study. The study further found that 56% of young carers said the cost-of-living crisis affects them and their family. Our change:matters programme uses the creative arts to upskills young carers about family finances.

In February 2024, Create musician Mike Poyser delivered a music project with young carers in Bromley. Over the course of three days, participants worked together to create pieces of music showcasing what they had learnt about finances.

We spoke to young carer, Avita (13) about her experience on the project and her role as a young carer.

AVITA’S JOURNEY WITH CREATE

Avita’s time with Create has provided her with a much-needed break from her caregiving duties.

“I care for my mum. She has myasthenia gravis, like muscle weaknesses. It’s always ups and downs so I have to take care of her. Sometimes she’ll feel really energetic, but sometimes she won’t be. It’s different every day. And then when I was four, when my brother was born, it got really bad. So, I was looking after my little brother because my mum was always really ill. And my older brother was looking after her. I was changing my little brother’s nappies and I was cleaning him and stuff.”

Through Create’s project Avita has had the opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills.

“I’ve enjoyed that I’ve made some friends and it’s also given me a confidence boost with my music skills. I think this might make me start going to school [music] lessons. Everyone is really nice. It’s quite fun working with other people who I don’t know. Or people in my community. I know that they’re young carers as well, so I know it’s not just me and my brothers who are taking care of parents.”

Avita’s experience with Create has also provided her with financial literacy skills. “I really enjoyed learning about money and the way it works and how much things really cost and just adding it all up. By the end of the year it could cost so much. It’s really expensive, life now! Before, every time we go out, I’d want to get things, but now I realise that every little thing adds up.”

It’s going to help when we’re older, knowing about how things cost, and how to budget.
AVITA

This resonates with the findings of Carers Trust, which highlights the growing concern among young carers regarding financial stability. Their research reveals that 57% of respondents admitted to “always” or “usually” worrying about the cost of living and the continuous increase in expenses.

LIFE AS A YOUNG CARER

“I do get to go out with my friends, but I have lots of things I have to do before I go out. I either clean the house or do dishes or laundry before I leave. If my friends ask me after school ‘can you go out?’, I just say ‘no’, because I know there’s loads of stuff I need to do as well. My friends have a lot of freedom, I don’t. But I do get a bit more freedom now my brother is older.”

“I always ask my friends questions about their life as well. So, my friends don’t really know how to cook. My friend says she eats pot noodles all the time if her parents aren’t home, but me and my brothers always make food. I taught my little brother how to make simple things like cakes. But I’ve really improved my cooking and cleaning skills. I think I have a lot more skills.”

“I feel ok [about my future]. I do like studying quite a bit and I’m quite an independent worker in school. But if I always have to take care of my mum, I feel there’s more to it than that. I might have an opportunity, I might not. “

This project was funded by The Chartered Accountants’ Livery Charity.

Meet ADULT CARERS Elizabeth and sue, CREATIVE:VOICES PARTICIPANTS

Posted on February 28, 2024 by communications - Stories, Blogs

MEET ADULT CARERS Elizabeth and sue, CREATIVE:VOICES PARTICIPANTS

For seven weeks between October and December 2023, carers from Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre took part in a visual arts project with Create’s professional artist Lizzie Chapman.

Elizabeth and Sue shared their experiences with us.

Elizabeth’s story

“I’ve got an 11-year-old son who was born with multiple disabilities, so I’ve been caring for the last 11 years. I had to give up my job as he got older because I couldn’t manage all the appointments, being up all night and doing a full-time job.

“I’ve enjoyed coming to the project because it’s nice having somewhere you can go.

It gives me a sense of purpose. It’s nice to have something that gives a sense of achievement. You’ve got something that you’ve finished and you can take home and show people what you’ve achieved.
ELIZABETH

trying something new

“It’s nice to have different things to try as well. Mosaics and lino printing are something I never would have tried on my own. I enjoyed having different opportunities. There are barriers that stop me from being creative, like the time and money. It’s very expensive. Particularly if you’re on a pension or you’ve had to give up your work. The Carer’s Allowance is next to nothing, so affording to do things that are for you is not really a priority. I have really tried to engage with all the different Create project and found that I liked things that I didn’t think I would like.

“One of the projects I’ve made is actually for my son’s bedroom. I showed him a picture of it and he seemed really proud of it and he liked it. And he said he could recognise what it was so that’s encouraging.

“I would like to use what I’ve learnt here in the future with my son too. Particularly I think mosaics are quite good as they weren’t too difficult. And the lino printing is quite satisfying.”

socialising through arts

“I think it’s important because it gets people together [who] wouldn’t necessarily have opportunities to meet. It goes across class, gender, age. I’m not particularly sociable. I don’t have any family, so it’s just us on our own. I think I’ve learnt that I can maybe be a bit more sociable. I think I need people and connection a bit more than I think I do. It does do you good.

“I’m not always very confident, but I think I have got more confident as the [project] has gone on and I’ve been able to speak up appropriately if I felt I needed to.”

SUE’S STORY

“I’m Susan and I used to care for my son who had young onset Alzheimer’s. But he passed away. I’m also the next-of-kin to my sister who I think has got autism. She’s 81.

“It’s lovely coming here. It’s absorbing to make the things. It’s nice to be able to chat and meet new people. And it doesn’t matter if you’re fed up or anything because everybody will understand. It’s been very important and I’ve made friends.”

I think engagement with the creative arts is valuable. It really does help.
sUE

“Sue finds solace and respite in the project. The creative process allows her to escape temporarily from all that is going on in her life and find comfort in the supportive environment.

“Because you just literally forget for a few hours: usually you’re so concentrated on what you’re doing, your mind is too full for anything else.”

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