The pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis have affected all children, but the effects on children facing disadvantage have been much more severe. With more and more children pushed into poverty, the need for our work becomes ever greater, as thousands of children struggle with mental health challenges, and a lack of confidence and motivation. Without additional help to boost life skills and engage with education, they risk falling behind for life, missing out on fulfilling their potential.

Through our puppetry projects, disadvantaged children aged 9-11 develop creative and life skills which help them thrive despite the challenges they face. The children work together to create a complex marionette show from scratch, taking ownership of the production at every stage. While building puppets and sets, they also build concentration and teamwork skills and gain independence, self-confidence and resilience. They learn that they can achieve more than even they thought possible.