Create and Give
As part of our annual theme, ‘Doing what matters to me’, we’re encouraging you to get crafty and give back to the community.
Creating art can be a relaxing, mindful way to express how you feel, while giving to others can help you make new connections and feel good in yourself. Enjoying the both together means that both you and your community reap the benefits- what could be better?!
Create
Art is anything we create that expresses our ideas or emotions. There are lots of different ways we can enjoy art. Here are some examples:
Carolyn from Manchester performing her poem at Be Free Festival.
Performing can be singing, dancing, acting, standup comedy, playing an instrument and more! It is a great way to meet other people, and the sense of accomplishment when you have performed can feel fantastic. It is a great way to build confidence and self-esteem.
You can perform anywhere – local theatre groups, choirs, a karaoke night or even in your own home! Don’t worry if you feel that you are not ‘good enough’ to perform- everyone starts somewhere and the first step is often the hardest. Instead, try and focus on how performing makes you feel, without worrying about what anyone else thinks, and try to enjoy yourself!
People we support in Blackburn have formed a Writing Group.
Storytelling is a great way to express yourself and let others know more about you and your interests. A story can be as simple as telling someone what you did at the weekend. By sharing stories, we learn more about each other. There are so many ways to share our stories, from writing them in poems and songs to being interviewed on the radio or a podcast. How do you like to tell your stories?
If you’d like to share your story with the Creative Support community, get in touch with communications@creativesupport.co.uk
Clay sculptures and jewellery made by people we support in Stoke.
Crafts can come in many different explore, and something for everyone to enjoy! You can always pick up a craft at any time, so if you fancy getting into crochet or cross stitch, or pottery and painting, we encourage you to get your hands stuck in and watch as you improve every single day.
People we support in Stoke-on-Trent have been learning to make some fantastic clay sculptures to celebrate 100 years of the city with our brilliant volunteer, Hayley. Aren’t they beautiful?
Give
Giving is about helping people in your life, whether friends or strangers, or raising awareness for causes you care about.
Good deeds don’t need to take much time or cost much money, yet they can have a huge positive impact on your health and happiness. Here are some examples:
John, Creative Support Volunteer, at Manchester Pride.
Volunteering is a great way meet lots of new people and develop your skills, while giving back in your local community. If you would like to volunteer, think about organisations within your local community and also your own interests. For example, if you like meeting new people, perhaps you could volunteer at a local charity shop.
Interested in volunteering with Creative Support? For more information or advice, contact the Volunteer Team on 0161 236 0829 or email volunteer@creativesupport.co.uk to learn more.
Sharen and her Breast Cancer Now certificate
Fundraising is a great way to make a positive change in the world and have some fun doing it! Why not see if there are any fundraising activities happening in your local community you to get involved in? Or why not run your own fundraiser for a cause you care about?
Sharen in Doncaster organises an afternoon tea every year to raise money for Breast Cancer, a cause that is close to her heart. Well done, Sharen!
Make sure to take plenty of pictures to send to communications@creativesupport.co.uk, so we can share the wonderful news about your fundraiser.
Remember, you can use your 2025 journal to document the hobbies, activities and events you take part in this year. We can’t wait to see what you get up to this autumn!