Acting Together
Acting Together was an immensely rewarding drama workshop project that supported up to 25 local children from asylum-seeking and refugee families in Lambeth. Based at the Wheatsheaf Community Hall—just a short walk from local hotels hosting families—the project provided a safe, neutral space away from everyday stresses. Following the incredible success of these sessions, we are actively seeking funding and remain open to running further programmes to continue this vital work in the future.
Project Structure & Activities
The project was designed to offer stability and continuity for the children throughout the academic year:
Timeline: 39 sessions successfully delivered across three 13-week terms.
Schedule: Held every Monday from 4:15 PM to 5:45 PM during term-time.
Activities: A dynamic mix of drama, storytelling, performing arts, warm-up games, Tai Chi, devising, and arts & crafts.
Key Impact & Achievements
1. Nurtured Well-being and Play
The workshops provided a much-needed positive outlet for energy, offering children a crucial break from the trauma, uncertainty, and daily tensions of their lives. It gave them a valuable opportunity to step away from the pressure of being "refugees" and simply focus on being children and having fun.
2. Personal Development and Literacy
Through creative expression, the sessions helped children build self-esteem, confidence, and vital communication skills. We also integrated engaging literacy and learning activities into the fun, which helped participants understand their schoolwork and catch up with their peers.
3. Community Integration & Belonging
Breaking Barriers: Drama and storytelling were used to bridge cultural divides, helping young people from different backgrounds find common ground and learn about one another.
Widening the Circle: While the core group came from local hotels hosting asylum seekers, we opened up available spaces to children from the surrounding Mawbey Brough and Wyvil Estates, fostering deeper local integration in the classroom and community.
Family Support: The project also served as a valuable focal point for parents to come together, build relationships, and strengthen their own support networks.
Looking to the Future
The effects of displacement and trauma mean that safe, creative, and team-building spaces remain critical for the mental and physical well-being of these children. Having seen the pride, identity, and deep sense of belonging this project fostered, we are keen to secure funding to launch future iterations of this programme.
If you are interested in supporting or partnering with us for future sessions, please get in touch.