Inspiring the Next Generation: Why It Matters
- Rose Hill
- Jul 31
- 4 min read
As parents, carers, and creative leaders, we have a unique opportunity, and responsibility, to show the next generation what’s possible. When we bring children into spaces where creativity, community and care are celebrated, we do more than just involve them, we empower them!
At Co-Creative Connection, we’ve seen this time and time again. Whether it’s parents painting alongside their children at a mural workshop, or families showing up to share stories and ideas during a community session, those shared experiences make a lasting impact. They show young people that their voices matter, their ideas are valid, and their creativity belongs in public spaces. They also model the values of collaboration, pride and belonging, values that continue on far beyond the projects themselves.
From the Playground to Parliament
One moment that really brought this home for me was taking Summer, my daughter, along with me to the House of Lords earlier this month. I’d been invited to a celebrating of the Adobe Express Business School with Small Business Britain, and being able to share that space with her was incredibly meaningful!
Standing in that historic building, surrounded by inspiring small business owners and changemakers, Summer wasn’t just observing, she was participating and soaking in all the inspiration around her. She asked questions, made connections, and experienced a space where creativity and community were recognised at the highest level. It highlighted to me that when children witness these moments, it doesn’t just inspire them, it gives them a sense of belonging. A message that says: you can be here too!
Representation Isn’t Just About Who’s Speaking, It’s About Who’s Watching
As a parent, I want Summer to grow up knowing that her voice matters, her ideas matter, and that creativity isn’t just something we do for fun, it’s a tool for change! When she comes along to events, workshops or murals, I’m not just taking her with me out of convenience or childcare needs. I’m intentionally showing her that she belongs in rooms like this.
Whether it's a House of Lords reception or one of our community workshops, I want her to see people coming together, dreaming bigger, and building something amazing!
When we talk about inspiring the next generation, sometimes it’s not about grand speeches or structured lessons, it’s about being present, showing up, and letting them witness what’s possible.
The Magic of Parents Showing Up, For Their Kids, and Themselves
At Co-Creative Connection, I see this magic all the time.
Parents and carers bringing their children along to our projects, whether it’s to help paint a mural, attend a workshop, or simply take part in a conversation about what matters in their neighbourhood.
It’s so beautiful to witness:
👩🏽🎨 A parent and child painting side by side
💬 A family discussing which symbols or colours feel most ‘them’
🌟 A child proudly pointing out what they contributed
❤️ A parent and child realising that their voice matters too
When families engage together, it becomes more than just a creative moment, it’s a shared memory, a spark and a seed planted.
And children remember that. They grow up knowing they can shape the world around them, because they’ve seen the adults in their life doing it!
In her own words: “I love helping my mum and leading the workshops. And I love helping all the classes 😊” and she’s only 8 years old!
Whether at Holmleigh Primary School, one-day workshops at multiple Great Get Together events, or on Higgins Partnership construction hoarding projects, she’s supported countless sessions. She’s helped guide both peers and adults through the creative process with confidence and care.
Her involvement reflected so much of what we hope to spark in young people: confidence, joy, a willingness to collaborate, and pride in being part of something bigger. Watching her step into a leadership role, connect with others, and feel valued in that space highlights, this is what inspiring the next generation looks like in action. I’m ever so proud of her!
It’s About Building a Future They Can See Themselves In
Sometimes I think about what Summer might remember.
Not just the photos or the grand surroundings, but the feeling. The feeling of walking into a space where she’s not only allowed but welcomed. The feeling of watching her mum speak, paint, listen, or laugh in a room full of changemakers. The feeling of knowing she can dream big because she’s seen it done. And that’s something I want every child to feel, not just mine.
So when I see other parents showing up with their kids to inspiring and creative places, I feel so hopeful. Because we’re not just shaping our environment, we’re shaping our children’s mindsets.
Thank You to the Parents Who Bring the Next Generation With Them
Whether you're attending an event, painting alongside your little one, or just having conversations at home about creativity, kindness and care, it matters.
Let’s keep creating spaces where young people can see themselves reflected. And let’s keep showing them, through our actions, that their ideas, their dreams, and their presence matter!
Because when we bring them along, we’re not just inspiring the next generation. We’re walking with them into a brighter, more creative, more connected future.
Want to bring your family along to a creative project?
We’d absolutely love to welcome you! Many of our workshops and mural projects are open to people of all ages, and families are always invited to take part, contribute ideas and co-create something meaningful together.
And if you’re part of a school, housing association, council or organisation looking to run a family-friendly creative project in your local area, get in touch! We’d love to chat about how we can make it happen 💛 Please contact us via this link
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