Participant Group: Young and adult carers

A chance to be themselves: how National Lottery funding is supporting young carers through creativity

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

A CHANCE To be themselves: how national lottery funding is supporting young carers through creativity

Young carers on a National Lottery Community Fund funded filmmaking project.

Across the UK, thousands of young people are quietly taking on adult responsibilities – cooking, cleaning and providing emotional support to family members who are disabled, ill or have additional needs. Many of these young carers juggle their caring roles alongside school and growing up, often with little time or space to just be kids.

Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, Create’s inspired:arts programme is giving young carers across the UK a vital opportunity: time for themselves, a space to be creative, and the chance to connect with others who share similar experiences.

In Nottingham and Waltham Forest, young carers recently took part in creative workshops led by professional artists, exploring film and music. We spoke with Dawn (11), Emily (10), and Nathan (13), who shared their experiences on the projects.

Creativity as confidence

For Dawn (11) and Emily (10), taking part in a three-day filmmaking project with Create filmmaker, Jay Amin, was a chance to try something new, build confidence and meet other young people with similar experience.

“We’ve made a news report and nature documentary,” said Dawn. “It made me more confident using different techniques… and I’ve made new friends!”

“Before this, I couldn’t use a camera whatsoever,” Emily added. “Now I can! Not every child gets to make a film. It made me proud.”

Dawn, who cares for two siblings and a parent with complex needs, reflected on how rare these opportunities are:

“I love doing art, but I don’t get to do much because I have to care for my brother and sister. ”

“Projects like these let young carers be themselves for a few days. They don’t have to hide it all away.
DAWN, inspired:arts participant

Learning through music

In Waltham Forest, 13-year-old Nathan joined a music project led by Create musician, Joe Steele. Over three days, young carers composed songs together using drums, keyboards, ukuleles and their voices.

“We had lots of different talents, so [making music] was easy. We were able to do a lot in a short space of time. The most important thing I’ve learned is how to work with other people. Before, I normally just used my own ideas, but we were combining our suggestions. That was the most important thing.”

For Nathan, who cares for his mother, the workshops offered a meaningful break from responsibility:

“Sometimes it gets overwhelming.”

“Coming here lets me be with others in the same situation. We’re struggling the same way, and that builds connection.”
NATHAN, INSPIRED:ARTS PARTICIPANT

He also recognised the long-term benefits of creative thinking:

“If you’re not working your brain, it’s not going to be as creative. Creativity boosts your intelligence because your brain is learning new things.”

Young carers on a National Lottery Community Fund funded music project.

Small moments, big impact

At Create, we believe that creativity is a right, not a luxury – especially for young carers, who are often overlooked and overburdened. With the help of the National Lottery Community Fund , we’ve been able to run inspired:arts projects across the country, offering more young carers a break, a creative outlet and a sense of belonging.

“These projects give young carers something to focus on,” said Dawn. “They don’t have to worry about who they care for.”

“You can relax, focus and just have fun,” added Nathan. “And enjoy being with other children — because we don’t really get a lot of time for ourselves.”

Thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund. Your support helps fund projects like inspired:arts that give young carers a much-needed opportunity to feel proud, confident and creative.

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CREATING SPACE FOR YOUNG CARERS: A NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH HAMMERSMITH & FULHAM COUNCIL

Posted on November 10, 2025 by communications - Stories, Blogs

CREATING SPACE FOR YOUNG CARERS: A NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH HAMMERSMITH & FULHAM COUNCIL

Young carers taking part in a filmmaking workshop, gathered around a camera, watching their footage back.

This summer, Create was delighted to launch a new partnership with Hammersmith & Fulham Council, offering young carers in the borough vital time and space to be creative. Delivered through our inspired:arts programme, these multi-artform projects gave participants the chance to explore new artforms, express themselves, and connect with others – all while taking a much-needed break from their caring responsibilities.

With generous support from John Lyon’s Charity, young carers took part in drama and filmmaking workshops, delivered by Create’s professional artists Darren Cheek and Jay Amin. The sessions focused on building confidence, communication, and creativity – and the impact was clear.

A space where they just get to be a child

Letoria, a member of H&F Council staff, saw the power of the drama workshops firsthand:

“It’s been a good few days for them to meet new people and other young carers. Because they’re caring after family members for so much of their day, it’s important that they’re in a space where they just get to be a child – just free and not thinking about what’s going on at home.”

She highlighted how the project helped the young carers build confidence and friendships:

Young carers taking part in a filmmaking workshop, gathered around a laptop, watching their footage back.

“Everyone used their creativity and was able to use their imagination in their own kind of way. I’ve seen their personalities go from really quiet to more open, merging with peers and being more vocal in their presentation and coming out of their shell.

“If anyone needs a break, it’s young carers. It’s very important that there is good funding to provide a variety of activities [for them].”
Letoria, community partner

Telling stories through film

In July, participants explored photography and filmmaking, culminating in the creation of a short film inspired by the theme of “heroes.” For 15-year-old Jayden, this was a powerful and eye-opening experience:

“We’ve been studying the art of film and photography. I’ve enjoyed working with the camera, because I haven’t done that before. It’s a nice experience.

“I’m proud of what we made. It was a bit tough [collaborating with others] at first, but we pulled together and managed to make a very good film”

Jayden, who cares for his mother, shared how rare it was to access projects like this:

“I don’t have many opportunities to do [activities like this]. New experiences can free the mind and inspire you to do something else. [Being creative] felt relieving. Projects like this help young carers get out into the world.”

“Projects like this help young carers get out into the world.”
JAYDEN, INSPIRED:ARTS PARTICIPANT

Why this work matters

Across the UK, there are an estimated 800,000 young carers – children and teenagers who take on practical and emotional care for a parent, sibling or other loved one. Many of these young people struggle with isolation, mental health challenges and barriers to education.

That’s why Create’s work with young carers is so essential. Our projects give them a break from responsibility, a chance to explore their identity, and a safe, joyful space to be themselves.

This work was made possible thanks to the generous support of John Lyon’s Charity.

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Connecting through music: Disabled and non-disabled students perform together at Manchester Literature Festival

Posted on October 24, 2025 by communications - News

Connecting through music: Disabled AND NON-DISabled students perform together AT MANCHESTER Literature Festival

Young people from Manchester and Salford showcased original music celebrating inclusion and creativity, as part of Manchester Literature Festival.

On Friday 24 October, students from four schools across Manchester and Salford took the stage at Manchester Central Library to perform original music that they had co-created with professional musicians. The performance celebrated the culmination of creative:connection, an inclusive music project led by Create.

creative:connection brings together disabled and non-disabled students to collaborate, create and connect through music, while breaking down barriers. Students from Loreto High School, Chatsworth High School, Grange School and New Park Academy worked with Create’s team of professional musicians – Matt Dunn, Holly Marland, Hannah McCabe and Bethan Roberts – to write and rehearse their own original compositions inspired by Manchester Literature Festival’s 2025 theme: ‘Celebrate!’.

Each pair of schools (Grange/Loreto; Chatsworth/New Park) created their own musical pieces, and together they co-wrote a unifying group song. The final performance was a joyful, shared celebration of self-expression, collaboration and creativity.

Create’s Founding CEO, Nicky Goulder MBE said:

“creative:connection is a celebration of the joy and power of collaboration. Bringing together disabled and non-disabled young people through the creative arts helps build empathy, connection and confidence in all participants. At Create, we believe that everyone – regardless of background or ability – should have the chance to express themselves, be heard and be celebrated. We’re thrilled to be returning to Manchester Literature Festival to showcase the remarkable creativity of these talented young people.”

creative:connection supports the development of communication, social skills and confidence in the participants. With many disabled children and young people facing reduced access to the creative arts due to cost, accessibility or lack of provision, this programme provides free, high-quality creative opportunities in an inclusive and welcoming environment.

The performance was an uplifting afternoon celebrating the young people’s creativity and talent and a reminder of the power of the arts to connect us all.

For more information about the event, please visit https://manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk/events/creative-connection

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AN INTERVIEW WITH FUNDER JOHN LYON’S CHARITY

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

AN INTERVIEW WITH FUNDER JOHN LYON’S CHARITY

changing:minds 2025 showcase, visited by funder John Lyon's Charity

“We knew the projects would work because they’re being delivered by a trusted organisation.”

John Lyon’s Charity (JLC) is a grantmaker transforming the lives of children and young people by creating opportunities to learn, grow and thrive through education. Since 2013, Create has been proud to partner with JLC to deliver high-quality creative projects across London.

Through this long-standing collaboration, we have launched major programmes such as changing:minds, community:matters and inspired:arts, reaching disabled young people, young carers, care leavers and refugees in JLC’s priority boroughs. We spoke to Anna Hoddinott, Senior Grants and Communications Manager at John Lyon’s Charity, about the impact of our partnership – and why creativity matters more than ever.

SHARED VALUES, CREATIVE VISION

“There’s a lot of synergy between JLC’s values and those of Create. Create strives to evolve constantly, develop and hone its offerings. We see the value in Create’s approach and methodology: projects cross a multitude of different artforms and can be adapted to various audiences with various needs.

“Create has a passion for interrogating its work and striving to be the best that it can be, combining diverse artforms, passion, drive, high-quality practitioners and rigorous evaluation all in one place. If a funder wants to fund really high-quality projects, then Create gives a lot of options.”

building new programmes with trust at the core

Create’s long relationship with JLC has led to the co-design of key programmes including changing:minds, which embeds creativity and financial literacy, and community:matters, which brings creative workshops to young people in vulnerable circumstances. For JLC, that level of collaboration is based on deep trust.

“We have known Create for a considerable amount of time, which has enabled us as funders to believe in its ability to have the right impact and outcomes.

Create’s openness and flexibility to develop programmes targeting priority groups and locations for JLC made the charity an ideal partner.
Anna Hoddinott, Senior Grants and Communications Manager at John Lyon’s Charity

“This flexibility put Create in a really strong position to secure funding for new projects: we knew the projects would work because they’re being delivered by a trusted organisation.”

CREATING LONG-TERM IMPACT FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

At the heart of this partnership is a shared belief that creativity should be participant-led, empowering children and young people to shape their own experiences. As Anna explains:

“The positive impact starts from the beginning. Participants can choose the artform that most resonates with them, giving them agency over their experience. This element of co-creation is really empowering and gives a greater impact because participants know that they are taking part in something that they have chosen to do.

“It’s really important that the participants are not delivered to, but delivered with. That really comes across with the work that Create does; participants are encouraged to find their own way through projects, while being supported to engage as much as they are able.

“The projects I have visited are always really engaging for the participants. All of the young people seem to be really enthusiastic.

“On the whole, the impact on participants is huge. And not just in the moment, but also long after the end of the project, instilling confidence, a sense of wellbeing and all the positivity that engaging in arts projects can bring.”

Why CREATIVITY MATTERS

Like Create, JLC recognises that creativity plays a fundamental role in education, emotional health and society at large – especially at a time when access to the arts is under threat.

“Creativity is fundamentally important for everybody. I think it’s important that creative arts are included in school curriculums, but they are so often overlooked in favour of more academic subjects.

“Having access to creativity and cultural capital can boost everybody’s mental wellbeing, helping people thrive emotionally, professionally, and in relationships.

Creativity gives a mirror to see yourself reflected and a window to view the world through different perspectives.
Anna Hoddinott, Senior Grants and Communications Manager at John Lyon’s Charity

“Being able to access creativity leads to a really well-rounded society with really healthy and grounded people within it.”

A MESSAGE TO FUTURE FUNDERS

When asked what she would say to other funders considering supporting Create, Anna’s answer was simple:

“Do it! It’s difficult to find organisations that deliver such a range of activities, specialising in working with so many different participant groups, with such quality.

“Create gives funders the confidence that their support will be used thoughtfully, rigorously and with great impact. You’d be supporting work that truly changes lives.”

A huge thank you to John Lyon’s Charity for funding changing:minds, community:matters and inspired:arts.

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Meet Maisie, a young carer from Nottingham

Posted on October 7, 2025 by communications - Stories, Blogs

meet Maisie, a young carer from Nottingham

As the Chetwode Foundation’s grant period supporting Create comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the impact this funding has had on young carers across the UK – including through our inspired:arts project in Nottingham, delivered in partnership with TuVida East Midlands.

Over three days in April 2025, a group of young carers came together to explore visual art in a joyful, supportive space – giving them a much-needed break from their caring responsibilities, and the chance to connect with others through creativity.

A Space to Create and Connect

Led by professional artist Anna Clarke, the young participants worked across painting, sculpture and mixed media, experimenting with everything from spray paint to feathers and recycled materials.

Maisie, aged 11, was one of the participants. For her, the workshops were an opportunity to try something new, express herself, and simply have fun:

“We did an art project where we did loads of different activities – sculptures with eco-friendly materials, [making] our own jumpsuits with paint, and flicking paint to create a marble effect. We used buttons, diamantes, feathers and, my favourite, spray paint!”

She particularly appreciated working alongside other young carers she didn’t know before:

“Sometimes it’s nice to work with people you know but sometimes it’s nice to work with people that you don’t really talk to.”

Understanding Life as a Young Carer

Maisie helps care for her 16-year-old brother, who is epileptic, non-verbal and has severe autism:

“If my mum’s busy I’ll help him. I’ll make him toast, drinks, [help] with his iPad. I’ll make sure he’s alright when she’s gone.

Sometimes his behaviour is challenging because he can’t tell my mum what he wants. If he’s got a headache, he gets angry and my mum has to use a helmet to protect her face.

If he’s up all night making loud noises, it’s hard to sleep because he’s right below me.

“sometimes I don’t get as much sleep as I probably should.”
Maisie – inspired:arts participant

Her experience reflects the reality for many young carers across the UK – often carrying significant emotional and practical responsibilities at home while navigating school, friendships and growing up.

That’s why spaces like inspired:arts matter. They offer creative respite, reduce isolation and support wellbeing.

Creative Confidence and Emotional Wellbeing

Maisie found the creative challenges rewarding and stimulating:

“[I felt] very imaginative because [the project] makes your brain think hard. You have to be very precise to be able to build a sculpture, otherwise it’ll just look a bit messy. It makes me [happier] when I get to do art.”

Thank You

The grant from the Chetwode Foundation made it possible for us to deliver this high-quality, multi-artform project in Nottingham. It enabled young carers like Maisie to take part in joyful, hands-on creative activities, build new friendships and social confidence, and enjoy meaningful respite from the demands of their caring roles

Thank you for helping us create these life-enhancing moments.

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Supporting Young Carers to Create and Connect This Christmas

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

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.