Zimmedari Aur Zindagi, A Caring Journey Project

Hi, I’m Mahum 👋 and I lead SEND Salaam, a community organisation supporting parent carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We create safe, culturally sensitive spaces that raise awareness around hidden disabilities while supporting the wellbeing of families within our communities.

In November, SEND Salaam partnered with Art Therapist Thahmina Begum to deliver a five-week art therapy project for South Asian parent carers. Using creativity and self-expression as tools for emotional wellbeing, the project explored identity, mental health, and the lived experiences of caring for a child with SEND.

Through a community-based health approach, we made the sessions accessible and welcoming for families who may not otherwise engage with traditional wellbeing services. The programme supported 13 parent carers, giving them space to reflect on their journeys as individuals, carers, and people beyond their caring roles.

The impact was deeply moving. One parent shared:

“I’ve never done something for myself, this is the first time I’ve come out to a group.”

Another reflected:

“Art therapy sessions have encouraged vulnerability, creative coping strategies, self-expression and strength to begin to heal in a creative way.”

The project highlighted the importance of culturally responsive creative health support for underserved communities and demonstrated how art can reduce isolation, build confidence, and create connection.

The learning from this project has helped shape the next stage of our work, and we are now proud to be delivering a 10-week art therapy programme for young people with SEND, creating safe creative spaces for children and young people to express themselves, build confidence, and support emotional wellbeing through art.