Carnival Costume Mentoring Programme Continues to Inspire Creativity, Confidence and Community

The UKON Careers Carnival Costume Mentoring Programme continues to make a positive impact as participants reach the eighth week of their creative journey.

Over the past two months, participants have worked alongside experienced carnival artists and mentors to develop their costume making skills while building confidence, resilience and creativity in a welcoming and supportive environment. This week marked an exciting milestone as participants completed the construction stage of their carnival costume pieces and began the process of decorating their designs, bringing their creative visions to life.

Throughout the programme, participants have demonstrated exceptional focus, commitment and determination. Every session has provided opportunities to develop practical creative skills while strengthening transferable skills including communication, teamwork, problem solving, decision making and self confidence. These skills are essential for personal development, employability and active participation within the community.

A key strength of the programme has been its intergenerational approach. Adult participants have naturally taken on mentoring roles, supporting and encouraging younger creatives throughout the sessions. At the same time, children attending the crèche have been inspired to explore their own creativity alongside the group, creating a positive and inclusive environment where learning, encouragement and shared achievement have flourished.

Participant feedback continues to demonstrate the wider impact of the programme beyond the development of carnival arts skills.

One participant shared:

“This project has helped me gain more focus and calmness, even whilst under pressure. I am enjoying the process and love how the adults positively encourage and help the young children.”

Another participant commented:

“It has helped build my confidence and allowed me to express myself creatively. I love everything about Carnival.”

Others reflected on how the programme has supported their personal development, with one participant stating:

“It has helped me have more confidence in myself and my decision making.”

Another added:

“I am smiling all the time and feel motivated and inspired to create.”

These reflections demonstrate how creative participation can improve wellbeing, increase confidence, encourage self expression and strengthen social connections. The programme has created a safe and inclusive space where participants feel empowered to learn new skills, support one another and develop a genuine sense of belonging.

As the project progresses towards completion, participants are looking forward to showcasing their finished carnival costume pieces as part of this year’s Barking and Dagenham Carnival. Seeing their work celebrated within one of the borough’s largest community events will provide a lasting sense of pride and achievement while highlighting the value of community led creative engagement.

UKON Careers would like to thank all participants, mentors, volunteers and the team at Barking Learning Centre for their continued support and commitment to the programme.

This project has been made possible through public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England. Their support enables UKON Careers to deliver creative programmes that strengthen communities, improve wellbeing, develop employability skills and create opportunities for people of all ages to thrive through arts and culture.