Empowering Families and How RYTC and ESB Are Transforming Lives Through Creative Support
- Brainz Magazine
- May 5
- 7 min read
Written by Helen Kenworthy, Artistic Director
Helen champions the arts as a tool for change. Now as CEO of RYTC Creatives CIC and Give Get Go Education she mentors young people, creates pathways for them to thrive in the arts and helps launch successful careers.
Have you ever thought about how the arts can change lives in ways that go far beyond just entertainment? Imagine the power of creative expression not only to entertain but to bring families closer, nurture confidence, and provide vital support when it’s needed most. At RYTC and ESB, we see the arts as a powerful tool for transformation. Our programmes go far beyond education. They provide personalised, compassionate support that empowers families to grow, connect, and thrive together.
Whether through creative workshops, supportive referrals, or community-building activities, RYTC and ESB are committed to helping families build stronger relationships and healthier futures. The impact of arts-based learning reaches far beyond the classroom, fostering emotional expression, resilience, and, above all, the kind of connection that families need to succeed.
The power of the arts doesn’t stop at individual transformation. It creates a ripple effect that enhances the entire family unit. By engaging in creative arts together, families experience positive shifts in their communication, relationships, and overall well-being.
This blog explores how RYTC and ESB go beyond education, offering personalised, compassionate support that truly makes a difference for families.
Why empowering families is important
Families face all sorts of challenges, and it’s easy to see how those struggles can affect their children and the entire family.
Here’s a look at some of the obstacles families often face and why it’s so important that we offer support:
Strained parent-child relationships: Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, making it difficult for parents and children to connect emotionally.
Limited academic and emotional support: Without enough encouragement at home, children may struggle academically, while parents may feel ill-equipped to help.
Mental health challenges: Without the right tools, stress and anxiety can overwhelm both children and parents.
Missed opportunities: A lack of resources and support can hinder children’s growth and potential.
Lower resilience to stress: Without help, families may struggle to cope with everyday challenges and life events.
Increased household tension: Family responsibilities can create tension and frustration when there’s no support.
Weakened physical health: Emotional stress can take a toll on physical health, increasing vulnerability to illness.
Social isolation: Families without support may feel disconnected from their community, leading to feelings of loneliness.
Lower self-esteem: Parents who struggle to provide emotional and academic support may lose confidence, which can affect their outlook on life.
Offering support can break these cycles, leading to stronger relationships and a brighter future for children.
Your role in fostering empowered families
Empowering families isn’t just up to organisations like RYTC and ESB, each one of us can play a vital role. Even small actions can have an impact on someone’s life. Whether you’re a neighbour, friend, teacher, or community member, your support plays a crucial role in helping families thrive.
Here are 10 ways you can help:
Be a listening ear: Sometimes, all a family needs is someone who listens without judgment. A space to talk can make them feel heard and supported.
Offer practical help: Small gestures, like helping with schoolwork or babysitting, can lighten the load and give families more time and energy.
Share resources: If you know of helpful programmes or support groups, share them. The more families can access, the better they can navigate challenges.
Encourage learning: Support a love of reading or creative activities. This helps families build positive habits that benefit everyone.
Create safe spaces: Advocate for inclusive environments where families can express themselves, whether through the arts or community events.
Support family bonding: Encourage quality family time, whether through cooking, games, or creative activities. These moments strengthen bonds.
Be an advocate for mental health: Help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health by talking openly. Encourage families to seek support and offer help in finding resources.
Provide emotional support: A simple word of encouragement or checking in can make families feel less alone in their journey.
Offer a helping hand in tough times: If a family is struggling, whether with illness, loss, or financial difficulty, your time or resources can make a difference.
Celebrate their successes: Recognise both big and small victories, whether it’s a child’s school achievement or a parent’s personal growth.
By actively empowering families, we build stronger, more resilient communities.
12 ways RYTC & ESB provide personalised support beyond education
We know that every family’s situation is different, which is why we offer support that’s as unique as they are. Education is just one piece of the puzzle. To truly support children and parents, we offer tailored programmes that nurture all aspects of family life, helping them overcome challenges, grow together, and unlock new opportunities.
Here are 12 ways we provide personalised support to families, ensuring they thrive in every area of their lives:
1. Customised educational support
Every family is unique, and so are their challenges. Our team listens, understands, and provides customised support to help families navigate their journeys in a way that works best for them.
2. Strengthening family bonds
Building strong family bonds is at the heart of what RYTC and ESB do. Through family workshops and creative projects, parents and children work together, improving communication and understanding. These shared experiences help strengthen relationships and provide families with tools to support each other at home.
3. Emotional and social development
It’s not just about academics. RYTC and ESB focus on growing emotional intelligence too. Through drama, storytelling, and interactive activities, families learn how to express their emotions, build confidence, and deal with life’s challenges in a supportive environment.
4. A team of role models and mentors
Our dedicated team serves as inspiring mentors and role models, guiding young people and families toward success. We share our knowledge, experience, and support to help individuals reach their full potential.
5. Holistic support for mental health
Mental well-being is crucial for the success and stability of families. At RYTC and ESB, we make sure mental health is a priority. We provide families with valuable mental health resources, including informative blogs and access to support programmes like Tell Your Story. These initiatives help families manage stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges, creating a safe and supportive space for everyone to thrive.
6. Creative arts for self-expression
Sometimes, the best way to communicate is through creativity. RYTC and ESB use art, drama, and creative writing to help families express their feelings and stories. These activities encourage self-confidence and offer a safe space for emotional expression, helping children and parents feel heard and valued.
7. Community building and networking
Strong communities are built on strong families. RYTC and ESB create spaces where families can meet others in similar situations, share experiences, and support each other. These connections help reduce isolation and build a network of families that can rely on one another for advice and friendship.
8. Referrals to trusted services
When additional support is needed, we connect families with reliable professionals and services, ensuring they receive the right help, whether for mental health, education, or social services.
9. A caring and compassionate approach
We don’t just provide solutions, we genuinely care. Our warm and understanding team works closely with families to offer encouragement, reassurance, and practical guidance when it’s needed most.
10. Encouraging lifelong learning
RYTC and ESB believe in the power of continuous growth. We equip families with tools and strategies to support learning at every stage, ensuring that children and parents feel confident in their educational journey.
11. Practical skills for everyday life
Beyond creative learning, we equip families with essential life skills, whether it’s communication techniques, time management, or teamwork, to help them succeed at home, in school, and in the workplace.
12. Community that cares
At the heart of RYTC and ESB is a community that supports one another. Families become part of a network where they can share experiences, find encouragement, and grow together.
The heart of what we do
At the heart of RYTC and ESB is our unwavering commitment to supporting families every step of the way. Our approach is about more than education. It’s about empowerment, creativity, and well-being. By offering tailored support, connecting families with trusted resources, and fostering confidence through the arts, we aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of those we work with.
We believe that with the right support, every child, young person, and family can thrive. Through mentorship, creativity, and genuine care, we continue to uplift, inspire, and guide those who need it most.
Why it matters: A call to action
The importance of empowering families cannot be overstated. Through the work of RYTC and ESB, we see firsthand how arts-based programmes provide families with the tools they need to grow stronger together. RYTC’s artistic approach nurtures mental health and emotional intelligence, especially for children with SEND or emotional challenges.
We believe that when families are empowered, children flourish. Through creative writing, educational resources, and meaningful connections, we’re helping parents and children grow together, with compassion, creativity, and confidence.
But we cannot do it alone. Every person has a role to play in empowering families. Whether it’s offering a listening ear, sharing helpful resources, or providing emotional support, your actions can make a meaningful impact. We encourage you to get involved because when we come together, families truly thrive.
If you or someone you know could use a little extra support, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to listen, help, and walk alongside you.
Please contact us through:
Let’s keep creating spaces where families feel seen, supported, and strong. Every story shared is a step toward connection, and every small act of support helps a family thrive.
Helen Kenworthy, Artistic Director
Helen Kenworthy’s career embodies the transformative power of the arts, from her early roles in the prestigious West End with Bill Kenwright to her impactful work in regional theatre. As manager of the Oxfordshire Youth Arts Partnership, she created pathways for young people to thrive in the arts, with many going on to successful careers. Now at RYTC Creatives CIC and Give Get Go Education, Helen continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of theatre-makers and community leaders, offering invaluable opportunities for growth and professional development.
