In March 2014, our professional jewellery designer worked with 18 young carers in Hackney to create unique button bracelets and bejewelled cards as Mother’s Day gifts, as part of our art:space project.
The children learnt basic jewellery making skills before being given the freedom to explore their creativity using a variety of materials – and of course their imaginations! Each child created something personal and memorable for a loved one and interacted with each other to build confidence and self-esteem.
One staff member commented: “I think the children will gain a sense of pride and will feel happy that they have given something to their mum that they’ve made on their own. I love all of the Create sessions and I believe the children do too!”
The children said they loved learning new skills, and one commented: “It made me feel like a person who was taken care of.”
Our Chief Executive, Nicky Goulder, said: “Making a personal gift for a loved one has to be one of the most wonderful things you can do and we are so grateful to British Land for enabling us to give young carers in Hackney this opportunity. The children have created beautiful gifts and cards for their mums, which will make them feel really special on Sunday.”
art:space is our multi-artform project for young carers in Camden, Hackney, Westminster and Southwark, funded by British Land. There are almost 250,000 children in England and Wales caring for a relative. 27% of them miss school and an overwhelming 68% experience bullying and social isolation. art:space has been designed to give young carers a break from their caring responsibilities and a chance to do something fun, imaginative and artistic with their peers in a safe, non-threatening environment. It also helps to create a network through which they can provide mutual support.