Create is a UK charity that exists to empower people through the creative arts. From drama to drawing, photography to playing the piano, and everything in between, they work to reduce isolation and enhance wellbeing for people of all ages.

Create Week is an event taking place from 1–7 July, celebrating the importance of creativity in supporting our wellbeing. Whether you’re a professional artist, a hobbyist, or simply someone who loves singing in your kitchen, you can get involved.

This year’s Create Week theme is, Connect

Create explains on their website that the theme is about “Connection to ourselves, through moments of creativity and reflection. Connection to others, by sharing creative experiences. And connection to something bigger – taking part in a global celebration of creativity.”

They’re inviting us all to slow down, express ourselves, and connect in a meaningful way. To help, they have some brilliant resources on their website. There are various project ideas you can easily download (there’s even a competition to win some art supplies!).

The project that caught my eye was ‘Mindfulness Zines with Amy Leung’. I love it because not only does it sound like a lovely way to spend an hour, it also only needs items I can see from my desk right now: A4 paper, scissors, and pens/pencils. So is very accessible.

Unsurprisingly, as a designer, creativity has always been a huge part of my life and continues to be. I love drawing, painting, crafting and playing board games is also a way I connect with my loved ones. So here are my suggestions for activities you can do with family and friends – or on your own:

Great for kids: Kooky characters

The ‘folding paper drawing game’ is a childhood classic for me with a less-than-catchy name.

Grab some A4 paper – one sheet for each person. Fold each sheet equally into four sections horizontally.

Take some colouring pencils or pens and, on the top section, each person draws some hair/hat/or anything else that could sit on top of a head.

Fold the top section over. The trick is to extend the drawing slightly into the next section so that when you fold it, it’s still just visible so the next person can continue the drawing, without seeing the whole thing.

With the first now hidden, pass your paper to the next person, who draws the head. Fold and pass again, ready for the next person to draw the body in the next section and then folded again for the legs in the bottom section.

When all three sections are complete, unfold the paper and marvel at your weird and wonderful creations!

Great for families: Board games that promote conversation

I love board games, and I’m a big fan of Gamely Games. They have a range of games that are perfect for couples or groups and are all about creativity and connection – and they donate 10% of their profits to charity.

Two of my favourites are Clues in Twos and Gullible. Both require no drawing skills, just a little bit of writing. For groups, Six Second Scribbles and What’s My Jam? are great fun.

Solo: Happy mail

I love drawing and painting cards for family and friends. During COVID, I did this a lot to stay connected with people I couldn’t physically see. It’s something I’ve slipped out of the habit of doing, but prompted by Create Week, I’m going to create a card and send it to a friend, just because.

If you’re not a fan of drawing, you could write them a little letter instead, or just send a fun postcard. It’s a simple way to say “I’m thinking of you” and to strengthen those connections.

Great for (my) friends: Urban sketching

Urban sketching is a wonderful way to connect with friends and your surroundings. Meet up in your local park, a coffee shop, or even at home, and draw what you see – buildings, flowers, coffee cups, or each other.

You just need some paper and pens or pencils. It’s fun to set little challenges, such as:

• One-minute drawings

• Drawing with only one colour

These constraints are a great trick for making your brain less concerned with drawing “perfectly” and more focused on enjoying your surroundings and simply scribbling away whilst nattering with your friends.

Solo: Joyful journalling

Journalling is a great way to calm my anxious mind. I love how you can use it to gently steer your thoughts toward the “good stuff”.

I recently bought a guided journal called 99 Things That Bring Me Joy. Each page has a prompt that sparks a memory like ‘What’s your favourite childhood film?’ and  ‘What’s your most sentimental possession?’

I’ve loved answering these questions, but the real magic is in sharing those memories with my loved ones and jogging their memories too.

If you don’t want to buy the book, here are some prompts you can use in your own notebook:

• Your favourite smell

• The best pair of shoes/footwear you’ve ever worn

• The nicest compliment you’ve ever received

I hope I’ve inspired you to get involved with Create Week, or, at the very least, to find out more about this wonderful charity and maybe plan a moment to create, connect, and take care of your wellbeing in the future.