JOY, BELONGING AND A BREAK FROM RESPONSIBILITY: WHAT CREATIVITY MEANS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
For many young people, the festive period isn’t just sparkle and celebration. Children in care, disabled young people and young carers often face additional pressures, from feelings of isolation to daily responsibilities far beyond their years.
At a time of year that celebrates family and joy, it can be easy to forget that not all children get the chance simply to be children. That’s why creative opportunities matter – not just at Christmas, but all year round.
Thanks to our supporters, we’re able to deliver high-quality creative programmes that offer marginalised children the freedom to explore, express and connect. In 2025, our programmes have supported nearly 1,000 children across the UK. Below, three participants reflect on what that experience has meant to them.
Confidence and connection for care-experienced young people
Emily* (16) took part in music workshops in Bolton through our:voices, a Create programme with children in care and care leavers. Working with our professional musician Matt Dunn, the group composed original music, played covers and built confidence together:
“I feel great. A lot more confident. Everyone’s very kind and we work well together. The project is really refreshing and it gets you out of the house. I feel brighter. [Being creative] is important because it really lets you open up as a person and you can become more positive.”
Having been in care for eight years, Emily shared how the project gave her a chance to connect with others who understand:
“Sometimes when you’re in care you can struggle to make friends because you can feel a bit down.”
“But [in projects like these] you meet other people” in your situation and you have a fun time with them.”
EMILY, OUR:VOICES participant
CREATIVE FREEDOM FOR YOUNG CARERS
Evelyn* (13) cares for her younger sister who has autism, a constant responsibility that leaves limited time for herself. Over three days in April 2025, our musician Filipe Sousa delivered inspired:arts music workshops with young carers at Bromley Well Young Carers Centre. Through the project, Evelyn had the chance to step away from those responsibilities and focus on creativity:
“We’ve made lots of songs and discovered different ways to make them. I’ve liked playing guitar and bass because they’re [my favourites] and working in a group to create an actual piece has been really enjoyable.
Evelyn also reflected on the difficulties of being a young carer:
“Sometimes I have to be really careful what I say around [my sister] and I have to help her if she has a meltdown, especially if we’re not with our parents. I have to keep an extra eye out for her, especially because she’s younger than me. I always have her on my mind thinking, ‘is she okay?’
“Lots of young carers may not get the opportunity to do stuff like this.”
“These projects give them a chance to have something to focus on and they don’t have to worry about who they care for.”
EVELYN, INSPIRED:aRTS PARTICIPANT
Exploring expression for disabled young people
Jay* (25) took part in our community:matters programme at Brent Mencap, which supports disabled young people through inclusive, participant-led creative workshops. The programme empowers participants to build social and communication skills in safe, joyful environments.
During the project, Jay joined a three-day dance and visual storytelling workshop led by our professional dancer, Paul Smethhurst:
“We did the tent dance. And then we did some drawing [of our own islands]. I drew the beach. [I was] making textures and going to new places.”
For Jay, the opportunity to be part of a creative team helped build connection and confidence:
It made me feel happy and excited.
jay, community:matters PARTICIPANT
“It warmed up the body and made me feel full of energy. I enjoyed working in a team and meeting new people and seeing old friends. It makes me feel welcome.”
Why it matters – and how you can help
Creative arts offer young people the chance to express themselves, explore new ideas and build community. For those facing additional challenges – such as the responsibility of being a carer, the instability of the care system, or the exclusion that can come with disability – these opportunities can be life-changing.
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 John Lyon’s Charity and The National Lottery Community Fund for funding these projects.
*Names changed to protect anonymity.
