Making Carnival masks and new friends on our youth project

Earlier this year, the Afrocats and kittens were back in Manchester for an afternoon of creative fun inspired by Carnival celebrations.

Everyone came together to design colourful masks, try out new artistic techniques and, most importantly, spend time making new friends in a welcoming and inclusive space.

Before the crafting began, everyone shared some free pizza and had a chance to settle in together:

Facilitator Shanie then encouraged everyone to get stuck in, experiment with materials and enjoy the process without worrying about getting things ‘perfect.’

We had paints, pencils, markers, and paper scraps on hand, giving participants the freedom to create masks that reflected their own personalities and interests - take a look below.

Some young people created bold abstract designs full of colour and texture, while others took inspiration from anime, cartoons and popular characters. Every mask looked completely different, which made the room feel even more vibrant and imaginative.

Alongside the artwork, the session created opportunities for young people to connect with one another, build confidence and enjoy being part of a supportive group - including our lovely volunteers!

And as always, the session was designed to help everyone feel comfortable expressing themselves creatively, whether they were confident artists already, or simply curious to try something new.

Parents also appreciated the inclusive atmosphere and the variety of activities available.

One parent shared:

‘It’s great that you have all kinds of materials beyond paint. Boys and girls can join in too. You’ve thought of everything!’

By the end of the session, participants left with handmade masks, plenty of smiles, and even some new friendships formed through creativity, conversation and shared experiences.

Roll on the next session!

Heartfelt thanks as always to Children in Need for funding our project, and for Rudy’s Pizza for the food – we are immensely grateful for your support.