Participant Group: Young and adult carers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rediscovering Confidence and Joy Through Writing

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

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

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

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

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

New beginnings, new connections

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The reality of Christmas for many

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

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

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

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

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

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

Donate now to our Christmas campaign.

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

*Names changed to protect anonymity.

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Meet Molly and Hannah – Young carers from Bolton

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

Meet Molly and Hannah – Young carers from Bolton

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

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

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

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

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

A creative space just for them

Photographs by young carers laid out on a table.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Feeling pride through creativity

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

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

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

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

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

Understanding you are not alone

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

Artwork by young carers laid out on a park wall.

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

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

Why this work matters

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

We believe they deserve better.

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

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

*Names changed for anonymity.

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LONDON GRAPHIC CENTRE CHOOSES CREATE AS FIRST-EVER CHARITY PARTNER

Posted on November 19, 2025 by communications - News

LONDON GRAPHIC CENTRE CHOOSES CREATE AS FIRST-EVER CHARITY PARTNER

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

cREATIVITY WITH A PURPOSE

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

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

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

Making it easy to support

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

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

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

A Creative collaboration

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

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

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

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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.