From the rehearsal room to renowned stages across the UK, Streetwise Opera inspires and empowers people with experience of homelessness to unlock their creativity, form communities and restore their confidence through singing and co-creation.
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Homelessness continues to rise across England. 80% of rough sleepers report mental health concerns (Crisis, 2024); 55% reported deaths of people experiencing homelessness in 2024 were classed as ‘deaths of despair’ (Museum of Homelessness, 2025). Countless studies have shown the significant benefits of arts participation on mental health and quality of life, boosting confidence, resilience, sense of belonging and social inclusion. "[Streetwise] has given me a life, something to thrive for."
Our evidence-based approach, tried and tested over 24 years, supports lasting recovery from homelessness by transforming how individuals see themselves, leading to improved mental health and quality of life. Our workshops in leading arts venues and homelessness centres create a safe space for individuals to be part of a community and, alongside world-leading artists, to co-create new opera works to perform to the public, showcasing their skills and perspectives which are too often unheard.
