At a Glance:
- Creative partnership between Elevator Arts and South Essex Homes, supported by The National Lottery Community Fund.
- Weekly storytelling and drama sessions for children aged 6–11 in temporary accommodation.
- Builds confidence, imagination, and emotional wellbeing through creativity.
- Now in its third year, with themes like “Portals” inspiring new worlds of hope and friendship.
A growing number of children across Southend and Essex are growing up in temporary accommodation — unseen, unheard, and often facing challenging circumstances. Recent government figures show a record 169,050 children are now homeless in England living in temporary accommodation — a 12% increase in a year. Locally, Southend is seeing a similar rise, with homelessness rates surging and more families than ever waiting for permanent homes.
Amid this crisis, Sound ON — a creative partnership between Elevator Arts and South Essex Homes, supported by The National Lottery Community Fund — is giving children living in temporary housing the space to express themselves, build confidence, and find joy through creativity.
Now in its third year, Sound ON offers weekly creative sessions led by professional storyteller Hannah Brailsford, designed to support children aged 6–11 whose families are living in temporary accommodation. The project uses storytelling, drama, and hands-on creative arts to help children explore emotions, develop communication skills, and experience the power of imagination in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Last year, participants created puppets, props, and even their own puppet show based on stories they devised together. This term, sessions have already been running for several weeks, with children exploring the theme of ‘Portals’ — imagining new worlds of their own creation, filled with adventure, friendship, and hope.
Sarah Gallagher, Resident Engagement Team Leader at South Essex Homes, said:
“Sound On plays an important part in the lives of children living in temporary accommodation. The drama workshops capture the children’s interest, helping them feel more confident and excited to take part.
The children really look forward to these sessions, and staff have shared how much their confidence has grown. The workshops also give parents some welcome respite, knowing their children are in a safe and supportive space.
These sessions provide a much-needed break from the stress of temporary accommodation. They offer children the chance to make friends, express themselves and share their feelings through creativity.”
For Elevator Arts, Sound ON is part of a broader mission to use drama and creative arts to improve young people’s wellbeing and inclusion, especially those facing disadvantage or isolation.
Alison Garner, Creative Director at Elevator Arts, said:
“Sound ON provides a lifeline for children who often feel invisible. Through creativity, they rediscover a sense of play, pride, and possibility. These sessions remind them, and us, that their voices matter.”
As the housing crisis deepens, initiatives like Sound ON are proving vital — not just for the children who take part, but for the communities that rally around them.