Boldly trauma-conscious and survivor-led theatre and participation arts for social change.
CHAMPIONS and Response Ability Theatre present
Milestones
Supported by University College London and De Montfort University
Based on research curated by Prof Monica Lakhanpaul (UCL) and Dr Nadzeya Svirydzenka (DMU)
Written by Nell Hardy
Directed by Sandra Preciado
Costume and Set Design by Georgie White
Sound Design by Radhika Aggarwal and Lorenzo Bassignani (Echo Chamber Audio)
Performed by Nell Hardy and Michelle Kelly
Assistant Director/Stage Manager: Carly McCann
Creative Producers and Research Leads: Prof Monica Lakhanpaul and Dr Nadzeya Svirydzenka
What makes a home for our children?
What keeps them safe, healthy, and educated?
When we make it impossible for parents to provide, who is really failing?
Based on interviews from ESRC-funded University College London and De Montfort University’s CHAMPIONS project led by Prof Monica Lakhanpaul (UCL), Milestones gives an honest insight into the lives of families in temporary accommodation with children under the age of 5.
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Under the cover of anonymity, these mums (and a dad) speak without fear about the barriers in their way as they try to give their kids a good start in life.
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When they speak from a safe space, how do they really think the little ones are coping? And what can we all do about it?
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Milestones is a collaboration between CHAMPIONS, families, artists, and organisations working hard to support families in temporary accommodation.
We are so proud that the post-show discussion after the performance of Milestones at the Bloomsbury Theatre Studio on 25th September 2023, led to the creation of a petition to the APPG for Households in Temporary Accommodation, to update the Homelessness Code of Guidance for Councils, to guarantee a cot for every family in temporary accommodation with a child under the age of 2.
We are even more proud that this petition was subsequently successful.
A huge congratulations to Shared Health Foundation, the CHAMPIONS team and everyone at the APPG who made this incredible change happen. We're so happy we could be part of that journey. It's a small step towards all that needs to be done, but nevertheless so significant.
Hot off the press:
Milestones is now available to watch from this website!
Enjoy!
It's so important to us to be able to make this play available to watch for free, so it is accessible to everyone who might want to see it, be seen by it, and know that they're not alone.
If you would have been able to pay for a ticket to see it - could we persuade you to make a donation instead?
We rely on donations to make sure our regular offer for survivors can continue uninterrupted - which is so important for building trust, and creating the necessary safety for community cohesion and post-traumatic growth.
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£10 a month funds one person's expenses for participating in our core group.
£25 a month pays for an hour of preparation or evaluation time, so we can dedicate the time our survivors deserve to making their time with us count.
£50 a month pays for an hour of session delivery for our lead facilitator or one of our welfare leads, so we can provide the support that allows for a truly brave space.
Or if you can't afford to donate right now, you could choose us as your supported charity on Give As You Live and raise funds for us when you shop with selected retailers, without any additional cost to you!
