Young carers
We funded two creative arts projects for 53 young carers, who are often vulnerable and at risk of underachieving and being bullied.
Young carers visiting Regent's Park
In August 2008, 14 young carers from the London Borough of Westminster, where our Head Office, York House, is situated, worked with a professional photographer and dancer. They visited Regent’s Park and a London office estate, taking high quality photographs and creating dance pieces that were themed around London’s urban and natural landscape. They then performed their dances at a celebration event. All of the young carers stated that they enjoyed the project, which was delivered by Create in partnership with Westminster Carers Service.
In February 2009, 39 young carers from the London Borough of Hackney, where Broadgate is located, worked with a professional jewellery designer and visual artist. During two days of workshops, the participants created necklaces, bracelets and earrings which they took home as gifts. They also worked collaboratively on a beautiful jewelled display and learnt how to screen print, designing and printing their own unique t-shirts. This project was delivered by Create in partnership with Hackney Young Carers Service.
Young carers take on adult responsibilities such as caring for a parent or sibling who has a disability or mental illness. These projects give them a break from their caring duties and a chance to do something creative with their peers, building trust and self-confidence, as well as developing communication and teamwork skills.
Next year, we will be extending our support of young carers, running a new project in the London Borough of Camden, where Regent’s Place is located, as well as our second project in Hackney and our third in Westminster.
