University for the Creative Arts Empowers Young Carers to Develop Creative Skills in the UK

University for the Creative Arts Empowers Young Carers to Develop Creative Skills in the UK

How UCA Supports Young Carers Through Creative Workshops

University for the Creative Arts (UCA) partners with the Higher Education Outreach Network (HEON) and Surrey charity Action for Carers to give young carers—children and teenagers aged 5‑17 who care for ill or disabled family members—hands‑on opportunities to explore art, design and media. These sessions give participants a break from daily responsibilities, help them build confidence, and open pathways to future study or careers in the creative industries.

Collaborative Projects with Action for Carers

In November, UCA tutors and textile artist Sarah McAllister guided young carers in creating repeat‑pattern gift wrap inspired by the Japanese furoshiki tradition. The project combined cultural research, design thinking and practical skills, allowing participants to produce a finished product they could keep or give away. Such projects demonstrate how creative work can be both meaningful and marketable.

Workshop Highlights: From Textile to Illustration

December’s pop‑up Christmas card workshops, led by illustrator Tabitha Turner, let participants design and produce festive cards. Earlier in the year, UCA ran a 4‑week street‑art workshop, a special‑effects makeup session for Halloween, and two 4‑week art and design projects in June and July. These varied formats show that creative learning can be tailored to different interests and skill levels.

Future Opportunities for 2026

Looking ahead, UCA will launch 4‑week masterclasses in animation and textiles in January and February 2026. The university’s outreach team is also exploring additional collaborations with local schools and community groups to broaden access for young carers across the UK.

Parents, educators and community leaders can support young carers by encouraging participation in UCA’s workshops and by providing transportation or flexible scheduling. For young carers, the workshops offer a chance to develop portfolio pieces that can strengthen future applications to art and design courses.

Actionable Steps for Supporters and Participants

  • Identify local UCA workshops or partner events and register early, as spaces are limited.
  • Encourage young carers to keep a creative journal to track ideas and progress.
  • Use the finished artwork as portfolio material when applying to further study or apprenticeships.
  • Share success stories on social media or community newsletters to raise awareness of the benefits of creative engagement.
  • Advocate for more funding and outreach programs that target young carers in the creative sector.

For more information about the work Action for Carers does, visit their website at Action for Carers – Young Carers. If you would like to learn more about UCA’s outreach initiatives, contact the outreach team at [email protected].

Explore UCA’s Creative Workshops – Learn more about UCA’s workshop offerings.

Learn More About Action for Carers – Visit Action for Carers’ website.

Contact UCA Outreach Team – Email [email protected] for partnership or participation inquiries.

Apply for Upcoming Workshops – Register for UCA Open Days and workshops.

Share Your Experience – Read UCA’s blog posts on creative education and contribute your own story.