Creative Support turns 35!

This year, Creative Support turned 35! To mark the special occasion, we’re holding not one not two, but three parties across the country so the Creative Support community can celebrate together in style.

This year’s theme was ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’, with magical decorations and creative activities that helped everyone get into the birthday spirit. Attendees came dressed to impress with flower crowns and dashing outfits. We even welcomed a ‘Greatest Showman’ or two!

Everyone had the opportunity to throw a handmade decoration into the wishing well, with a lucky few winning the raffle when their token was chosen at the end. A big thank you to our co-production centre, Creative Together in Manchester, along with attendees at our Creative Collabs and those who joined us in Head Office for your help in decorating these beautiful tokens.

Keep reading to hear more about each event, some of the standout moments, and what our wonderful guests had to say about the day.

Leeds Gala – 11th June 2026

Our first Gala was held in Leeds at the famed Headingly Stadium, with views over both the cricket and rugby pitches. Guests arrived from 11am and the show quickly got on the road, with attendees either heading to the dancefloor to get into the party spirit, joining one of our activity tables to make a mask or flower crown, or getting their face painted by our resident artist.

“Words can’t describe, I’m feeling like a million dollars. We’ve got lovely kind support staff, lovely manager Simone, everyone is doing such a fantastic job,” said Stephen, who we support in Doncaster. He raved about the delicious food he had tried, “the best things about today is the lovely food. Spiced butternut squash soup, the lovely curry that I can’t wait to try, and the lovely lemon torte that I cannot wait to eat!”

As the first of three tasty courses was served, the awards presentation began, and guests got to hear about the wonderful achievements from people in the Creative Support community. First the Creative Stars Award winners were announced, sharing the inspirational stories of people we support. These awards celebrated those who won either a Community Champion Award for going the extra mile to help out in the wider community; a Positivity Award for always bringing the sunshine, even to grey days; a High Flyer Award for working hard to meet their goal; or an Eco-Friendly award for being an eco-champion.

Next up was the We Care Awards, which celebrate our incredible staff for going above and beyond to make a difference to the lives of people we support. Gold, Silver and Quality winners were brought onto the stage and attendees were regaled with the stories, from saving lives to personifying the We Care values and making a difference. Gary in the North East collected his Silver We Care Award for his amazing, tailored support to Cassie, who nominated him, and wanted to say thank you for helping her look after her chickens at the allotment. “It was absolutely mind blowing,” said Gary when he collected his award. “I had a great day and it was quite a surprise as I thought the event was later in the year! The Gala was even more than I was expecting, what a wonderful day.”

Rounding off the presentations, CEO Anna Lunts wanted to share a very special thank you to Heather Lowrey who, after 21 years of working at Creative Support, has set a retirement date for this coming August. “Throughout your career Heather, you have made a significant contribution to the growth and development of the North of the North East Region,” said Anna. “Under your leadership, the region has grown from the early days of our Sunderland and Gateshead services, to delivering support across five local authorities and 17 locations. Your commitment, vision, and dedication have helped shape the services we provide today. Your impact on colleagues, services, and the individuals we support will be felt for many years to come. Enjoy a long, happy, and well-deserved retirement.”

After the speeches wrapped up, it was once again time to hit the dancefloor. The karaoke machine also came out and guests were treated to wonderful renditions of classic hits, including Let It Go sang by the incredibly talented Ann-Marie from Stockton. We also heard the vocal stylings of Holly from the North East, who dazzled attendees here and also at our 30^th Birthday Galas all the way back in 2021!

Attendee Adam Clarke, who we support in Calderdale and Kirklees, said his “favourite part of the day was dancing. The best song was ‘Gangam Style’, I know all the dance moves!”

While people danced, the queue for the photobooth snaked around as people tried on fun outfits and got to keep a fabulous momento from the day.

Debbie J, who we support in the North East, said her favourite part was not one activity, but the whole day, with “entertainment, people getting their awards, people making wristbands and hairbands. Everything’s made my dreams come true and I really enjoyed everything.”

At the end of the day, as guests began to head home, everyone received a goodie bag with a delicious cupcake inside, decorated with flowers and butterflies to match the theme. Gabrielle from South Shields told us that she saved hers and “enjoyed it with a cup of tea” when she got home.

Sven, a person we support in Stockton, reflected on the day: “It’s been incredible and I think getting everyone together throughout the country is marvellous. It’s something that will always live with me in my memories. I’ve had really good fun, absolutely good fun. Every Gala I’ve been at I’ve really enjoyed it and I’ve enjoyed being involved and presenting like I did today.”

“Happy Birthday Creative Support. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. You’ve made me the happiest person I could ever be in my life,” said Ann-Marie.

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