CASE STUDY: How Creativity Helped JK Build Confidence, Identity & Trust
- danield613
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Resident Profile (Anonymised)
Name: JK (pseudonym)
Age Range: Older teen
Interests: Music, writing rap lyrics, sound production
Placement Type: Supported accomadation with Oasis Care
Referral Need: Emotional regulation, engagement, trust-building, independence skills
Starting Point: When JK Arrived at Oasis
JK moved to Oasis in May 2023. He describes his early period with striking honesty:
“I didn’t really know what I was doing… I wasn’t making music… I wasn’t doing f*** all. I locked myself away in my bedroom.”
He was withdrawn, unsure of his place, and hesitant to engage with staff or routines. Practical independence skills (money, bills, daily structure) held little interest for him at first, because he wasn't emotionally ready. He needed connection before he could accept support.
Early Barriers
Low motivation and confidence
Limited engagement with staff
Isolated in his room
Minimal participation in independence work
Distrust of new environments
JK wasn’t resistant, he was uncertain. He needed a relationship built on authenticity, not pressure.
Breakthrough: Trust Before Creativity
Trust formed gradually through everyday interactions, conversations, drives with staff, and consistent presence from the team.
“After a few conversations with staff like you (Analdo), Dave… I could tell staff cared for me. Dave would just take me out for a drive… I knew man cared for me.”
Once JK felt understood and safe, he began opening up about his interest in music, something he hadn’t touched in months. This became the turning point.
Creative Engagement: Bringing the Studio to Him
Analdo, working as both a support worker and creative lead within CEG Creative Studios, recognised music as JK’s doorway back into himself. He brought in Rosanne, another creative practitioner. Together, they set up a portable recording studio inside the home so JK could create in a private, comfortable environment.
JK remembers this clearly:
“Rosanne used to come in all the f***ing time, do the music with me… it made me bother.”
This consistency mattered. It showed him he was worth the effort.
Through creativity, JK:
Began writing lyrics expressing his experiences
With Staff support, explored new themes in his writing like relationships and identity
Started reflecting instead of retreating
Built confidence in his abilities
Developed trust with staff
Creative work became therapeutic, a safe place to process emotions.
Skill Development: From Rapper to Aspiring Producer
As sessions continued, JK became increasingly interested in music production. Analdo arranged access to a professional studio through CEG Creative Studios, giving JK the chance to hear himself in a new way.
“When you hear your voice on real equipment… something changes.”
JK found momentum. He began producing daily, experimenting with beats, layers, and soundscapes. He still messages staff after leaving Oasis for guidance as he grows in confidence and skill.
This wasn’t just a hobby, it became part of his identity.
Outcome: Growth in Confidence, Communication & Connection
By the time JK moved on:
Emotional / Social Growth
He built strong, healthy relationships with staff
He engaged far more consistently
He trusted adults in a new way
He expressed emotions through music instead of withdrawal
Creative & Practical Skills
Developed songwriting and recording skills
Learned the foundations of music production
Gained confidence in presenting his work
Showed increased self-awareness and motivation
Self-Reflection
JK’s own words highlight the shift:
“There was a lot more support I could’ve got if I asked for it… but yeah, no, you all helped me.”“Everyone was solid… I would come back if I could.”
This is the clearest sign of positive impact, JK felt valued, safe, and connected.
Conclusion: Creativity as a Pathway to Identity
JK’s story shows how creative practice, when paired with consistent, human support, can:
open communication
build trust
support emotional regulation
reveal strengths
help young people see themselves differently
This is the ethos of Oasis Care and CEG Creative Studios working together: Creativity not as an “activity,” but as a tool for healing, identity, and connection.
JK didn’t just make music.
He found a way back to himself.
Inspired by JK's story?
See how creativity and care come together across our homes.
Have a young person who might benefit from our approach?
We’d love to talk.
Want to learn more about our creative approach?
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