Sound ON: Reflecting on a Creative Year and Looking Ahead

As we step into a new term of Sound ON, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the journey so far and share what’s coming next.

Last year, Sound ON, our partnership project with South Essex Homes, gave children living in temporary accommodation the chance to explore their creativity, build confidence, and find joy in making and sharing stories together. Under the guidance of our facilitator and professional storyteller, Hannah Brailsford, the group discovered the power of imagination and play.

Using stories as their inspiration, the children took part in a wide range of creative activities: designing plant pots, growing cress, painting pebbles, building a word bank, decorating a wooden tree with self-designed leaves, and even making puppets and props. The sessions culminated in a magical moment – telling their very own puppet story, created from scratch and brought to life through their teamwork, imagination, and creativity.

These small but meaningful activities had a big impact, providing the children with a safe, positive outlet for self-expression in the midst of challenging circumstances. More than just craft or play, Sound ON offered opportunities to grow confidence, build friendships, and explore new ideas – a reminder that creativity can truly empower young lives.

Now, as we begin our new term on 10th September, we’re opening the door (quite literally!) to something exciting: PORTALS. This term, the children will step through imaginary doorways into brand-new worlds of their own creation. Through storytelling, art, and play, they’ll be invited to dream up unique landscapes, characters, and adventures – places where they are free to imagine anything is possible.

We can’t wait to see where these new worlds take us.

Sound ON continues to provide a vital space for children to escape the pressures of daily life, express themselves, and enjoy the freedom of creativity. With every term, the project grows stronger in its mission: to give children living in temporary accommodation a chance to be heard, to belong, and to shine.

Stay tuned for more updates as the children step through their portals into new worlds this autumn.

Photo credit: Film Free Photography