Participant Group: Young and adult carers

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.

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.

MEET PAM, AN ADULT CARER FROM sefton

Posted on May 28, 2024 by communications - Stories

MEET PAM, AN ADULT CARER FROM sefton

creative:voices is Create’s multi-artform programme that enables adult carers to take a creative break from their caring responsibilities, build trusting relationships with their peers and develop communication skills, new interests and confidence.

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

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

Pam’s caring story

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

working with create

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

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

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

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

THE JOY OF CREATING

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

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

MEET MILLY, A YOUNG CARER FROM SOUTHWARK

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

MEET MILLY, A YOUNG CARER FROM SOUTHWARK

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

Young carer Milly shared her experiences with us.

BEING CREATIVE

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

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

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

BUILDING CONFIDENCE

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

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

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

SHOWING EMOTION

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

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

This project is funded by British Land