children looked after - Create (Arts) Limited

CREATING CHANGE – THE ROLE OF THE CREATIVE ARTS IN SUPPORTING CHILDREN IN CARE

For children in care, finding stability, expression and community can be a challenge. At Create, we believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to explore their creativity in an empowering environment. Through projects such as our:voices and creative:spaces, we work with children in care across the UK, introducing them to a variety of art forms and offering creative projects that boost confidence, promote wellbeing and build community.

Studies show that young people in care often experience higher levels of isolation, with fewer opportunities to engage in activities that support emotional and social development. Engaging with the creative arts can provide a valuable outlet, helping to develop resilience, self-confidence, a means of self-expression and a sense of belonging. According to research by the Social Care Institute for Excellence, creative engagement can be instrumental in helping children in care to process their experiences, creating positive impacts on mental health and social connections.

BUILDING CONFIDENCE AND CONNECTION THROUGH THE ARTS

Create’s projects give children in care the chance to learn new skills and build lasting connections with peers. Earlier this year we ran a series of projects in partnership with Fitch Group. 14 year old Isaac, who took part in creative:spaces, described the experience, saying:

When you are creative, you use your brain more, and you can see how much more powerful your brain is. It helps you to not think about other things … it gives you a break from the world.

These moments of self-expression help children look beyond their daily struggles and embrace the freedom of being creative.

Each project is designed with an emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, bringing young people together to share and celebrate their talents. Isaac also reflected,

“Everyone’s style was different … we just had fun, worked together and made the time more enjoyable.”

For children who may face social or emotional challenges, these projects foster a supportive environment where they can open up, feel valued and gain confidence in a group setting.

CREATIVE:SPACES AS A PATHWAY TO POSITIVE CHANGE

Beyond personal growth, our projects encourage children in care to view themselves as part of a larger community. Through projects like creative:spaces, their work is displayed in public and professional spaces, celebrating their achievements and highlighting their creative potential.

“I am proud [that the artwork will be displayed in Canary Wharf] because people get to know that kids nowadays are not just all stuck to their phones. We can actually do other stuff, and we have creative minds.”

According to findings from the Impact of Arts & Cultural Education on Children Looked After, creative programmes can improve self-confidence, self-esteem and emotional resilience for children in care, helping them form connections that might otherwise be difficult due to frequent moves or disrupted schooling. Moreover, studies like those conducted by Youth Music reveal that the arts provide an important sense of belonging and a safe space for young people to share their experiences, making them feel valued and empowered within their community.

INSPIRING FUTURES THROUGH CREATIVITY

At Create, we witness the power of the creative arts every day. For children in care, creativity is more than just an activity. It provides a welcoming space where they can explore their identities, express emotions and build connections. These projects go beyond building artistic skills. They create meaningful connections, foster emotional resilience and open up new possibilities for the future.

This festive season, we invite you to support Create’s mission to bring creativity, joy and empowerment to children in care. Every contribution helps us provide our participants with opportunities that make a lasting impact on their lives, allowing them to experience the freedom and confidence that comes from creative expression. With your help, we can unlock potential, offer support and inspire brighter futures for those who need it most.

HOW PHOTOGRAPHY EMPOWERS CHILDREN LOOKED AFTER

In May 2024, children looked after and care leavers in the London Borough of Waltham Forest took part in a three-day photography project led by Create’s professional photographer, Tracey Fahy.

This was part of our changing:spaces programme curated to turn blank spaces into inspirational places for work or play, using murals and other forms of visual art.

The May project was funded by Fitch Group and produced high quality artwork for its Canary Wharf office, centred around the theme of ‘Celebrating Diversity’.

The project offered a creative experience, enabling the young people to learn new skills, build friendships, develop confidence and self-esteem and have fun, enhancing their overall wellbeing.

We spoke to Isaac about his experience with the project.

LEARNING NEW SKILLS

“[During] the project that I took part in, we took pictures and learnt micro [photography] and street photography, where we went out on the streets and took pictures of people. It was a beautiful and fun experience. It’s something I haven’t done before, and I would never have done it [without this project]. It made me want to invest in my own camera.

“Using cameras just feels more real [than smart phones]. You really have to take into account what you’re taking a picture of. You take the pictures slowly, one by one. It’s more delicate and so you think about what you take more. It’s just like picking your own moments to capture.

“I created a photo of two people walking in front of a colourful building. They were walking at just the right speed, and I captured it at just the right time. It felt good. I had my zoom on, I had it ready, and then just as soon as they walked past, I hit the click and I got it at the right time.”

I want to carry on taking pictures. This was just a life-changing opportunity to have and I don’t take it for granted.

THE JOYS OF COLLABORATION AND CREATIVITY

“Everyone’s style was different. Some people liked taking pictures of everything, because they just loved the fascination of taking a picture. It was amazing working in a group. We just had fun. We all worked together, and we all made the time more enjoyable.”

When you are creative, you use your brain more and you can see how much more powerful your brain is.

“[Being creative] helps you not get anxious; it gives you a break from the real world. Because when you take pictures, it makes you feel like you’re in your own world.”

I learned that you can do whatever you want, if you believe in yourself. And taking pictures is not just about taking a picture, it’s making sure you capture the moment.

ARE YOU EXCITED TO EXHIBIT YOUR WORK AT FITCH OFFICES?

“I think it’s nice because it shows what we can do and what we have done. I am proud [that the artwork will be in Canary Wharf offices] because then they get to know that kids nowadays are not just all stuck to their phones. We can actually do other stuff and we can be artistic and we have creative minds. Because some people think all kids nowadays have no imagination. But technically, we have a good imagination, and that’s what putting these up in the offices is proving.”

Words from fitch

Fitch Volunteer: “Working with Create and Waltham Forest was a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding experience. Seeing the enthusiasm the kids showed and how inspired they became during the photography workshop was truly heart-warming.”

Samantha Goober, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leader and Consultant: “We want children to feel empowered through photography, enhancing their skills, development, and wellbeing. We are excited to showcase their art in our offices, celebrating their creativity and accomplishments.”

The project was funded by Fitch Group