Creativity is a powerful way of helping us process, reflect, and connect with others. And in care, where strength and resilience are key, creative expression can be especially meaningful.
That’s why we’re delighted to see the return of the annual creative competition from The Care Workers' Charity: Art for a Cause.
Previously known as Words for a Cause, the competition is celebrating its eighth year in 2026, and this time it’s bigger and more creative than ever. While past competitions focused on written storytelling, the new format opens the door to a whole world of creativity. Writing is still very welcome, but now care workers can also submit artwork, photography, music, spoken word, and mixed media pieces.
The 2026 theme: Strength & Resilience
Anyone working in care will know that strength and resilience rarely look dramatic. More often, they show up in the small things, like patience in a difficult moment, kindness when someone is struggling, or the quiet determination to keep showing up for the people who rely on you.
That’s what this year’s theme invites care workers to explore.
- What does strength look like in your role?
- Where does resilience come from when the days are tough?
- What moments remind you why the work matters?
Whether it’s a poem, a photograph, a painting, or a piece of music, the aim is simple: capture the heart of care and the remarkable spirit of the people who make it happen.
What you can submit
Care workers can enter with:
- Written work (poems, short stories, essays, reflections - up to 750 words)
- Artwork (illustrations, drawings, paintings, digital art, photography, mixed media)
- Music or spoken-word recordings
Entries must be original work created by care workers themselves. The organisers also encourage entrants to rely on their own ideas and creativity, rather than using AI tools to produce the final piece.
Prizes
Three winners will be selected, with prizes for:
- Top Writing & Poetry Prize – £150
- Top Art Prize – £150
- Top Music Prize – £150
Winning entries will be showcased in The CWC Circular, featured on the charity’s website and social media channels, and displayed at one of their fundraising events — giving the wider community a chance to see the creativity within the care sector.
How to enter
To take part, care workers simply need to email their submission to fundraising@thecwc.org.uk with the subject line “Art for a Cause Submission.”
Include:
- Your creative piece (Word document, image, audio/video file, or link)
- Your name
- Job title
- Employer
- Title of your submission
Deadline: 5pm, 20 March 2026
Judging: Week commencing 23 March 2026
Winners announced: 31 March 2026
If you work in care and have something you’d like to express, this might just be your moment to share it. And who knows, your story, image, or song could inspire someone else in the community too.
