Nurturing Creativity whilst Caring:
Participatory Action Research with family carers and a Recovery College
Published Date: 15.8.2025
Theme: Carer health and wellbeing
Sub-theme: Mental health
Verification Statement
This publication / resource is hosted on a publicly available external link. If the full text is not publicly accessible, summary points are included and a contact method for the author(s) is provided, where available.
The summary information presented is based on content submitted by an author or other user, along with publicly available information about the publication / resource added by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team.
All content is reviewed, edited and approved by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team, in line with our Submission Guidelines.
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Theme: Carer health and wellbeing
Sub-theme: Mental health
Verification Statement
This publication / resource is hosted on a publicly available external link. If the full text is not publicly accessible, summary points are included and a contact method for the author(s) is provided, where available.
The summary information presented is based on content submitted by an author or other user, along with publicly available information about the publication / resource added by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team.
All content is reviewed, edited and approved by the Carer Knowledge Exchange team, in line with our Submission Guidelines.
To report an issue or request a change, please complete our Feedback Form.
Nurturing Creativity whilst Caring:
Participatory Action Research with family carers and a Recovery College
Published Date: 15.8.2025
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Author/ Authors
Bryher Bowness,
Samina Begum,
Sarah Bicknell ,
Lana Samuels ,
Sudhir Shah ,
Stephanie Hess,
Karen Martin,
Debbie Bark ,
Claire Henderson,
Vanessa Lawrence
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Suggested citation (APA 7th edition)
Bowness, B., Begum, S., Bicknell, S., Samuels, L., Shah, S., Hess, S., Martin, K., Bark, D., Henderson, C., & Lawrence, V. (2025). Nurturing Creativity whilst Caring: Participatory Action Research with family carers and a Recovery College. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1607560
Long Summary
A creative self-care course, 'Nurturing Creativity whilst Caring', was co-designed with carers and delivered online. Seven carers took part, engaging in creative activities that promoted self-reflection, peer support, and self-compassion. Findings highlighted that creativity helps carers reconnect with their identity, overcome guilt, and foster resilience. The study demonstrates that co-produced, creative, recovery-oriented education can improve carers’ wellbeing and inform future practice.
Key Messages for Carers
- This study highlights how creativity and self-care can support your wellbeing while caring for someone with mental ill-health. Carers who joined the course 'Nurturing Creativity whilst Caring' found that small, creative activities such as mindful photography, journaling, or simple crafts helped them reconnect with themselves, build confidence, and reduce feelings of guilt. Sharing experiences with other carers also created a sense of community and understanding. The resource shows that self-care is not selfish but essential, and that nurturing creativity can bring joy, resilience, and balance to your caring journey while reminding you of your identity beyond the carer role.
Key Messages for Policy Makers
- This research shows that carers benefit from creative, co-produced educational approaches that prioritise their wellbeing alongside their caring role. Policymakers and practitioners can learn that participatory action research ensures courses are relevant, accessible, and empowering for carers. Integrating creativity and peer support into services can reduce isolation, promote resilience, and nurture self-compassion. The findings highlight the importance of recognising carers’ own recovery journeys, not just their caregiving duties. Investing in tailored, creative programmes within Recovery Colleges or community services can strengthen mental health support systems and improve outcomes for both carers and those they care for.
