Creative Voices London 2025

On Thursday 16th October, we were excited to bring Creative Voices to Harrow, London.

Creative Voices is our national forum that gives people we support the chance to directly shape how Creative Support is run. Held several times a year in different locations across the country, it’s a space where people can share their views with our Board of Trustees and Quality Team, explore what matters to them, and connect with others from different services.

We welcomed 30 people we support from Greater London, Essex, and Bedford. As people arrived, they were encouraged to sit with someone new and make introductions. After a cup of tea, the day officially began with introductions from our Chair of the Board, Joolz Casey, along with Trustees Fiona King and Mo Binitie, and members of the Quality Team.

“Today is about making sure our strategy reflects the things that matter to you,” said Joolz.

This aligns with one of our key ‘I’ Statements from our Mission and Purpose Statement: “I am doing the things that matter to me.” These statements are the heart of what we aim to achieve as an organisation, and we want to empower people to say that these ‘I’ Statements apply to them.

After lunch, everyone got involved a workshop inspired by the question: “What matters to me and what would I like to do more of?”

People we support had the chance to express their ideas through art. For example, Mark from Braintree drew pictures of his home and family, showing what’s important to him, alongside drawings of shopping and travelling, which he hopes to do more often.

A key theme throughout the day was encouraging people we support to take on leadership roles as Quality Checkers and Board members, drawing from their lived experience to drive change.

Erica, who we support in Harrow, previously worked as a mental health nurse. She shared her motivation to get involved:

“I came to Creative Voices to learn about the organisation. I want to know: what does the future look like? What is the future of social care? I want to share my experience and make a valid contribution for the betterment of people’s lives. I’d like to help Creative Support ensure duty of care, quality of care, social inclusion and make people feel independent.”

We also heard from Chris, who travelled from Manchester and is one of our first Quality Checkers – a role where people we support help assess and improve the quality of our services. Chris hopes more people will join the Quality Checkers Team and help make services even more safe, person-centred, and fulfilling.

Mo Binitie, our newest Trustee, reflected on the value of listening at his first Creative Voices forum:

“Our job is to get people to a place where they feel as independent and proud as possible. It’s about prioritising freedom and autonomy. The Board must take an involved approach. I’ve learned through my role that you have to interact with the people you serve as much as possible.”

Throughout the day, we heard some brilliant insights and ideas from people we support:

“I’ve come to make new friends and get involved in creative activities. In my spare time, I do poetry, singing, shows and drawing. I like that we get to do drawing today.” – Pauline, Tower Hamlets

“I came to Creative Voices purely because I’m curious and like to know what’s going on.” – Alice, Harrow

“I’d like to have more parties at my service and occasions for food and drink.” – Alan, Tower Hamlets

“I’ve just moved here and want to know more about Creative Support and what’s going on. I’m here to listen and raise questions about finances and parking.” – Jerry, Harrow

“I feel safe where I live but I’d also like to learn more about my safety at Creative Support and how we keep the service safe.” – Janet, Tower Hamlets

“I came here because I’d like to request more activities. With lots of shops shutting in our community, I’d like more staff and drivers so we can get around more.” – James, Braintree

A huge thank you to everyone who travelled, contributed, and took part in what was such a positive, productive, and powerful day. Your voices matter and they are helping shape the future at Creative Support.

We can’t wait for the next Creative Voices forum. To find out more and get involved, email sarah.smith@creativesupport.co.uk