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Freedom Theatre Workshops

Funded by Bradford 2025 and Leeds Community Foundation, Freedom Theatre Workshops is a six-month theatre project supporting young people facing adversity and/or living with Autism or ADHD.

Freedom Theatre Workshops is a co-produced programme in partnership SELFA where we use theatre practice as a vehicle for social change, empowerment and self discovery. Why? Because we know engaging in creativity in an ensemble setting helps build confidence, improve mental well-being, make connections, develop agency, change inner narratives, and of course fosters creativity!

Running September 2024 – April 2025 in Bradford.

Welcome Workshops

For five years, RedBobble Arts partnered with Bolton Council to deliver weekly creative wellbeing workshops at the A.C.I.S. International Family Centre—a safe and supportive space for refugee children and unaccompanied minors aged 4–16.

Breaking language barriers through creativity

Many of the young people we worked with spoke little to no English. Our workshops were designed to be accessible without reliance on language, using movement, visual prompts, and musical instruments to foster connection and expression. This approach created a space where participants could communicate, collaborate, and build confidence in a non-verbal, creative environment.

Aims & Impact

  • Providing refugee children with a safe and welcoming creative space.

  • Encouraging creativity as a tool for self-expression and healing.

  • Building connections among peers and facilitators.

  • Relieving tension through movement, music, and play.

  • Teaching basic English through interactive and engaging activities.

 

A lasting legacy

This programme played a vital role in helping refugee children prepare for school or college, building their confidence, communication skills, and sense of belonging in their new communities. As the centre manager described:

“This was a wonderful experience & confidence-building programme for our children.” – Bolton Council, A.C.I.S. Centre

Though the centre has since closed, the impact of our work continues to resonate with the children, families, and communities we supported.