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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HOW CREATIVITY CAN TRANSFORM YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

Posted on February 27, 2025 by communications - Blogs, Stories

HOW CREATIVITY CAN TRANSFORM YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

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

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

BALANCING A CARING ROLE WITH OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MAKING TIME FOR NEW YOURSELF THROUGH CREATE’S PROJECTS

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

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

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

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

FINDING RELIEF THROUGH CREATIVITY

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

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

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

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

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

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

MEET NAZANIN, AN ADULT CARER FROM MANCHESTER

Posted on February 27, 2025 by communications - Blogs, Stories

MEET NAZANIN, AN ADULT CARER FROM MANCHESTER

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

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

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

NAZANIN’S STORY

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

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

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

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

MAKING TIME FOR NEW EXPERIENCES

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

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

CRAFTING FOR MENTAL HEALTH

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

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

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

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

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

MEET JILL, AN ADULT CARER FROM TOWER HAMLETS

Posted on January 31, 2025 by communications - Blogs, Stories

MEET JILL, AN ADULT CARER FROM TOWER HAMLETS

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

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

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

THE HEALING POWER OF CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT

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

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

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

THE PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT

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

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

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

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

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

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

This project gave me time for me.

CONNECTING WITH OTHER CARERS

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

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

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

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

AN OASIS OF CREATIVITY AND CONNECTION

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

For Jill, this experience was life-changing:

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

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

This project was funded by Reed Smith.

EXPLORING DIFFERENT ART FORMS THROUGH CREATIVE:VOICES

Posted on January 31, 2025 by communications - Blogs, Stories

EXPLORING DIFFERENT ART FORMS THROUGH CREATIVE:VOICES

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

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

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

THE CHALLENGES OF CARING FOR A VULNERABLE FAMILY MEMBER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ENGAGING WITH DIFFERENT ARTISTIC PRACTICES

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

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

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

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

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

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

CONNECTING WITH OTHER CARERS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MEET DEIRDRE, AN ADULT CARER FROM NOTTINGHAM

Posted on December 20, 2024 by communications - Blogs, Stories

MEET DEIRDRE, AN ADULT CARER FROM nottingham

Captured at one of our *creative:voices* projects.

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

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

Deirdre’s Story

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

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

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

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

ADDING CREATIVITY BACK IN

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

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

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

THE POWER OF MUSIC

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

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

TEAMWORK

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

CREATIVITY AND WELLBEING

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

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

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

CREATE LIVE!

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

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

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

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