Creative Lab
Reconnecting young people with learning, confidence and community.
Our weekly creative programme offers support for young people aged 12–17 who are not regularly attending school. Each week practising artists, educators, and youth practitioners use creative activity to build confidence, wellbeing, and a sense of belonging. The programme supports re-engagement with education, literacy development, and pathways into future learning or work. It also funds the inclusion of a care-experienced practitioner in the team, embedding lived experience and providing mentoring and advocacy for participants.
Why it matters
Across East Kent, a growing number of young people are disengaged from formal education due to anxiety, trauma, neurodiversity, caring responsibilities or previous negative experiences of school. Without targeted support, these young people are at increased risk of isolation, poor mental health and limited future opportunities.
How we help
Creative Lab responds to this need by offering:
- A nonjudgemental, welcoming environment outside of school settings
- Small group sessions that allow young people to feel safe and grow in confidence
- Creative approaches that support creative expression, communication and agency
For many participants, Creative Lab is the first positive learning experience they have had in years.
What we do
Our aim is to create meaningful, sustained change for the young people we work with. Every week we run sessions at the gallery, including:
- Hands-on creative activities (drawing, making, experimentation with materials)
- Collaborative projects that build trust and communication
- Focused literacy tuition
- Time for reflection, discussion and goal setting
Sessions are flexible, responsive, and shaped around the interests and needs of the young people. Attendance is voluntary, and participants are supported to engage at their own pace.
Reengagement with learning and the future
Over the academic year 2024-2025, 23 young people attended Creative Lab. 39% of participants successfully transitioned to formal education or training.
Many young people who have struggled in formal education begin to rebuild positive relationships with learning, leading to improved attendance elsewhere, participation in other programmes, or progression back to formal education, training or creative pathways.
Long-lasting positive outcomes
Increased confidence and selfesteem
Young people gain confidence in their abilities, opinions and creativity, often becoming more willing to try new things and express themselves.
Improved social and emotional skills
Participants develop communication skills, emotional literacy and the ability to work alongside others.
Increase literacy skills
New resources – project zines, idea worksheets & reflection journals – embed reading & writing into sessions, offering 1:1 literacy support for those without functional levels.
Longterm impact
Creative Lab is not a oneoff intervention. It forms part of Turner Contemporary’s longterm commitment to ensuring that children and young people who face the greatest barriers can access the benefits of art and creativity.
Over time, Creative Lab helps young people to:
- Build resilience and selfbelief
- Develop skills that support them in education and employment
- Feel a sense of ownership over cultural spaces
- See themselves as capable, creative individuals with a future
Why support Creative Lab
Funding Creative Lab enables Turner Contemporary to:
- Maintain small group sizes and high-quality pastoral support
- Pay highly skilled artists and youth practitioners
- Provide free access, materials and travel support
- Extend the programme to reach more young people most in need
Investment in Creative Lab is an investment in prevention, wellbeing and future potential — supporting young people at a critical moment before disengagement becomes permanent.
Make a referral
If you would like to refer a young person, please complete our form below. If you would like more information, or need support with completing the form, please get in touch.
Email: info@turnercontemporary.org (address to Creative Lab)
Phone: 07738419427 or 01843233000
The gallery is grateful to previous and current supporters of Creative Lab:
Colyer Fergusson
Englehorns
The Mildred Fund
The Lawson Trust
Creative Lab contributes to Turner Contemporary’s charitable mission to transform lives through art, creativity and learning, particularly for those who face the greatest barriers
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