Chickenshed: AMPLIFY - the Voice of the Child
Situation
One of the many outcomes of the lockdown period for our children has been their deeper understanding of their need to be heard and to share perspectives – with each other and their wider community. It is what they have told us that they miss – the opportunity to feel supported and to give support. Furthermore, to find ways of being purposeful in their actions towards themselves and ‘others’.
Solution
Driven by a child-led steering group, made up of members of Chickenshed’s Children’s Theatre and children from other theatre companies across London and the UK, creative ideas to address some of the challenges faced by children today are communicated to a peer-community of over 500 children. Using performance and interactive online resources, AMPLIFY will go on to share these with a wider group of peers and significant adults. Through this, the project aims to reach a further 5,000 children.
Solace: Building dreams for children recovering from abuse
Situation
Children who experience domestic abuse and sexual violence face issues everyday and a life-hood of affected experiences.
In the short-term they often struggle to engage positively in school due to the disruptive issues they face everyday at home. This stops them forming positive bonds with their peers.
In the long-term they face an increased risk of drug and alcohol misuse or mental health issues due to the problematic behaviours that were shown at home.
Solution
We know that exposure to positive role-models and the chance to express their feelings can have life-changing impacts. This chance to address their trauma immediately in creative ways ensures that they can understand and develop coping mechanisms to ensure that they grow up feeling understood, believed & that they can move forwards and realise their dreams.
We teach about of healthy relationships, & teach the young people in our services what that looks like to ensure futures free from abuse.
Citizens UK: Community sponsorship fund for refugees
Situation
There is an urgent need for refugee resettlement. Many refugees cannot go home because of continued conflict and persecution. Many live in perilous situations or have medical needs that cannot be met where they are. Resettlement offers a durable solution. But less than 1% of refugees in need are resettled. Refugees who do reach the UK often face a multitude of barriers to inclusion and wellbeing – such as lack of social connections, access to services, language and employment.Solution
The Community Sponsorship Scheme provides a way for local communities to directly increase the number of refugees who can safely resettle to the UK. Refugees are prioritised for resettlement due to urgent medical or other protection needs. The community meet the family at the airport and bring them to their new home. They support the family to build social connections, access local services, find work, and rebuild their lives. “It changed my whole life" says Khadija, who was welcomed to Devon.
- "Our children are safe now. The generosity of the group has taken us aback. Our papers are all done, and we had help with the medical side. Everyone treats us like family...There’s no going back [to Syria]. Our house was destroyed, there's nothing".
— Hassan
- “The help we have received here has been amazing, now I can do a lot of the things on my own”.
— Ahmed
- Thanks to the sponsorship community for supporting us here. Since the war started, my life was filled with anxiety. My life has really changed from the moment that I arrived at the airport. A sense of relief washed over me.
— Khadija
