Tag: young carer

Meet Lucianne, Nurturing Talent 2025/26

Posted on November 30, 2025 by communications - Stories, Blogs

Meet LUCIANNe, nurturing talent 2025/26

Lucianne on the Nurturing Talent programme.

Nurturing Talent is Create’s 12-month. part-time professional development programme for emerging artists. Now in its 10^th year, the scheme was developed in consultation with our artists. In 2025/26, it is upskilling six emerging artists from a range of disciplines, providing them with training and experience to develop their creative workshop facilitation in diverse and challenging settings. Ultimately, it aims to upskill them to deliver high quality creative workshops with those who need these most.

We spoke with Lucianne, Warrington/Manchester based multidisciplinary textile artist. She shared with us how the programme is influencing her facilitation and artistic skills.

JOINING NURTURING TALENT

After graduating, Lucianne dived straight into freelance facilitation. But Nurturing Talent offered something new: the chance to grow her practice alongside experienced artists in more complex community settings:

“Since I graduated, I went straight into freelance workshop facilitation, mainly around sustainable textiles – mending, weaving with scrap fabrics, darning and collaborative banners and patchworks.

[Nurturing Talent has] been absolutely lovely. Every artist that I’ve worked with so far has been really supportive, friendly and approachable. There’s never been a situation I’ve been in where I felt uncomfortable or that I didn’t know what was going on.”

LEARNING FROM NURTURING TALENT

Nurturing Talent provides emerging artists with a rare opportunity: to gain hands-on workshop facilitation experience with diverse groups of participants, while being mentored and supported. For Lucianne, this has meant expanding both her creative toolkit and her confidence:

“I’ve learned so much doing this already.”
Lucianne – nurturing talent

“For example, I had never thought about the concept of warm-up activities [in workshops]. Since being here and doing these training [days], I’ve realised how valuable [these] are and I’ve started incorporating that into my own practice.

“I also didn’t realise the extent to which you have to be adaptable and flexible, and how that varies between different groups. That’s a learning curve.

Lucianna also shared how the programme has deepened her belief in the value of creativity – not just for others, but also for herself.

“You really have to believe in your artform, and believe that it is something that is beneficial to other people. A big part of that is you experiencing the benefit of it, and I’ve had first-hand experience of [my practice] as an expressive outlet for wellbeing.

“That’s why I am very passionate about sharing that with other people. ”

“Patience is [important] as well, approaching things holistically and compassionately.”
Lucianne – nurturing talent

THE IMPORTANCE OF CREATIVITY

Lucianna shares our belief here at Create that creativity shouldn’t be a luxury:

“People need to create because it’s essential to being human. There are so many things you can do on your laptop, but that’s [not the same as] really creating something. When you go into a museum, you’re looking at things, whether it’s cave art or pots, that have been created, and that’s something that we can’t afford to lose.”

SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION

Since its launch in 2015, Nurturing Talent has supported almost 60 emerging professional artists to build the skills, confidence and adaptability needed to lead workshops in diverse communities. Many graduates from the programme have gone on to join our artist pool and to develop their own socially engaged practices across the UK.

As Lucianne’s journey shows, the programme is about more than just professional development – it’s about building compassionate, confident artists who are ready to share their creativity with the people who need it most.

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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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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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Meet AYEZA, a young carer from ENFIELD

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

Meet AYEZA, a young carer from ENFIELD

Over three days in October and November 2024, Create musician Joe Steele and Nurturing Talent artist Josh Allen led a music project as part of our inspired:arts programme, working with young carers in Enfield. The project was funded by Backstage Trust and focused on giving the young carers a chance to experience the joy of performance, make new friends and have a fun break from their responsibilities.

We spoke to Ayeza (8), who told us about her experience on the project.

AYEZA’S STORY

Ayeza has been caring for her mother since she was five years old, assisting with daily tasks due to her mother’s limited use of her right hand. She reflects on her role:

“[Being a young carer] is really different. When you have to care for someone, you have to do lots more things than when you don’t have to care for someone. But it’s really good to care for someone.”

THE CREATE PROJECT

During the project, participants learned the song “Freedom” and explored body percussion:

“We have been using some high instrument noises and low instrument noises, for example bells, African drums, pianos, and some other instruments I’d never heard of. I enjoyed everything. I had never done body percussion before.“

“We were split into groups to make some songs. It was great [working together]. I feel like no matter what I did, I had someone to support me.”
Ayeza, young carer

THE JOY OF PERFORMING

Initially nervous about performing, Ayeza discovered newfound confidence through the experience:

“When you perform you need to have confidence, you need to be brave about it. At first, I was a bit nervous but now I feel like it is really fun, and I could do it more often. Once it’s done, you can think ‘Oh, that wasn’t so bad’.

I feel really confident now about [the songs we’ve written]. I think the audience is going to be proud of us. I’m hoping to get more courage to talk to people, and communicate, and make new friends.”

CHALLENGES FACED BY YOUNG CARERS

Young carers like Ayeza often juggle significant responsibilities alongside their personal development. In England, there are an estimated 120,000 young carers aged between five and 17 years old. They often assist with practical tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and providing emotional support. Without support, young carers may face challenges in their academic achievements and social interactions, and experience poor mental health and wellbeing.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORT

Projects like inspired:arts offer young carers a vital outlet for creativity and self-expression. They provide a supportive environment where participants can build confidence, develop new skills, and connect with peers facing similar challenges. By engaging in such initiatives, young carers can experience moments of joy and personal growth, balancing their caregiving responsibilities with opportunities for self-discovery.

This project was funded by Backstage Trust

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.

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

Meet Daliya, a young carer from BARNET

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

Meet Daliya, a young carer from BARNET

During October half term in 2023, Create artist Renata Minoldo led a visual art project with young carers in Barnet. This enabled the young carers to take a break from their caring responsibilities, have fun, learn new skills, build relationships and express themselves.

We spoke to Daliya (12), a young carer from Barnet who took part in the project.

THE IMPACT OF BEING A YOUNG CARER

According to research conducted by Carers Trust (2023), caring often affects the amount of time young carers can spend with their friends. In fact, 40% of young and young adult carers reported that their caring responsibilities significantly impact their social interactions. As a result, 26% of them feel excluded from their friends’ activities, creating a sense of isolation and disconnection.

Create’s projects give young carers the opportunity to connect with others and explore their creativity and self-expression in high-quality creative arts workshops led by our professional artists.

Daliya’S STORY

“My mum has dermatomyositis and it makes it really difficult to walk and she’ll get tired really easily. She has breathing problems and muscle problems as well. So, probably about the time I was 10, I started taking care of her a lot. And I always help her in day-to-day stuff, for example doing the laundry, because it will be quite difficult for her to do it.

I think being a young carer I’ve had quite a different experience to other people my age.
DALIYA

“You have much more responsibility to take care of your parent. And then on top of that you have school work and then you also have to think of yourself. So, it’s a big impact compared to other people my age. If we have homework to do, I have to have that free time to do so, but most of the time I’m taking care of my mum. Sometimes I can be quite difficult.

“But it’s also such a great thing. You’ve learnt something like a chore that’s quite difficult to do at a certain age. So, it’s really great to learn those skills. And I feel like I have a mindset to my future.”

DOING CREATE PROJECTS

“We’ve been creating jewellery and using fabric and different materials. It was nice because I got to use my creativity and imagination. I’ve learnt a lot about using different materials and I’ve learnt wirework as well. I found that I am really good at imagination and learning colour combinations. And I’m really good at remembering things so next time I’ll remember how to do it. I was really happy with what I made. I was actually quite proud of myself.

“I do creative things very rarely. Before I joined Barnet Young Carers, I didn’t really have materials to do arts and crafts. Barnet Young Carers help me quite a lot.”

“The (Create) projects help carers especially in the half term. Instead of sitting at home, we can go out and about, socialise with others. Instead of sitting at home, we can be here doing different activities and having fun.”

“I’ve loved to socialise with other people and share our ideas. It was nice because you can talk to other people, you can have fun. We got to communicate and if someone needed help we could go and help them. I learnt that if we’re stuck it’s ok to ask others for help.”

This project was funded by Sarah Jane Leigh Charitable Trust

MEET AVITA, A YOUNG CARER FROM BROMLEY

Posted on March 21, 2024 by communications - Blogs, Stories

MEET AVITA, A YOUNG CARER FROM BROMLEY

There are more than one million carers aged under 18 in the UK and an estimated 600,000 others aged 18 to 25, according to a 2023 Carers Trust study. The study further found that 56% of young carers said the cost-of-living crisis affects them and their family. Our change:matters programme uses the creative arts to upskills young carers about family finances.

In February 2024, Create musician Mike Poyser delivered a music project with young carers in Bromley. Over the course of three days, participants worked together to create pieces of music showcasing what they had learnt about finances.

We spoke to young carer, Avita (13) about her experience on the project and her role as a young carer.

AVITA’S JOURNEY WITH CREATE

Avita’s time with Create has provided her with a much-needed break from her caregiving duties.

“I care for my mum. She has myasthenia gravis, like muscle weaknesses. It’s always ups and downs so I have to take care of her. Sometimes she’ll feel really energetic, but sometimes she won’t be. It’s different every day. And then when I was four, when my brother was born, it got really bad. So, I was looking after my little brother because my mum was always really ill. And my older brother was looking after her. I was changing my little brother’s nappies and I was cleaning him and stuff.”

Through Create’s project Avita has had the opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills.

“I’ve enjoyed that I’ve made some friends and it’s also given me a confidence boost with my music skills. I think this might make me start going to school [music] lessons. Everyone is really nice. It’s quite fun working with other people who I don’t know. Or people in my community. I know that they’re young carers as well, so I know it’s not just me and my brothers who are taking care of parents.”

Avita’s experience with Create has also provided her with financial literacy skills. “I really enjoyed learning about money and the way it works and how much things really cost and just adding it all up. By the end of the year it could cost so much. It’s really expensive, life now! Before, every time we go out, I’d want to get things, but now I realise that every little thing adds up.”

It’s going to help when we’re older, knowing about how things cost, and how to budget.
AVITA

This resonates with the findings of Carers Trust, which highlights the growing concern among young carers regarding financial stability. Their research reveals that 57% of respondents admitted to “always” or “usually” worrying about the cost of living and the continuous increase in expenses.

LIFE AS A YOUNG CARER

“I do get to go out with my friends, but I have lots of things I have to do before I go out. I either clean the house or do dishes or laundry before I leave. If my friends ask me after school ‘can you go out?’, I just say ‘no’, because I know there’s loads of stuff I need to do as well. My friends have a lot of freedom, I don’t. But I do get a bit more freedom now my brother is older.”

“I always ask my friends questions about their life as well. So, my friends don’t really know how to cook. My friend says she eats pot noodles all the time if her parents aren’t home, but me and my brothers always make food. I taught my little brother how to make simple things like cakes. But I’ve really improved my cooking and cleaning skills. I think I have a lot more skills.”

“I feel ok [about my future]. I do like studying quite a bit and I’m quite an independent worker in school. But if I always have to take care of my mum, I feel there’s more to it than that. I might have an opportunity, I might not. “

This project was funded by The Chartered Accountants’ Livery Charity.

Meet Harriet, a young carer from Dorset

Posted on January 22, 2024 by communications - Stories

Meet Harriet, a young carer from Dorset

During February 2023, Create artist Poppy Love-Oldham led a visual art project with young carers in Dorset. The project enabled the young carers to take a break from their caring responsibilities, have fun, learn new skills, build relationships and express themselves.

We spoke to Harriet, a young carer from Dorset who took part in the project.

EXPLORING ART

“I took part in the art project. The first day we learnt how to make different things out of clay; we made some flat shapes first where we could put stamps in. Then we made some 3D stuff afterwards, so I made a tealight. We also did some printing.

“I’d never learnt about most of these artforms before. I particularly enjoyed cyanotype where we cut out sections of paper and put it in the sun, then watched it change colour. I get to do art at school, but these were all new types of art for me. Poppy, the artist, helped us by explaining everything clearly.

DISCOVERING COMMUNITY

“If you’re stuck on something, someone else could have a different point of view… You can all say your opinion.”

“Although I was really apprehensive about meeting people, it was really nice to work together. We all got to create art and help each other. I was nervous that people would judge me or not listen, because I’d never been to a young carers project before. Everyone shared their opinions and supported one another – it was really nice! I learnt that if you’re stuck on something, someone else could have a different point of view and you can all say your opinion.”

taking a break

“Being creative helps you wind down.”

I’ve found that being creative helps you wind down a little bit. If something is going on, it helps you escape. Taking part in this project has helped me meet other people like me and have a break from my caring responsibilities. I loved just being able to sit down, relax, and be creative.”

*Names have been changed to protect participant anonymity.