A project supporting homeless and vulnerably housed people in the London Borough of Newham, using creative arts activities.
The Magic of Rhythms used oral storytelling and group music-making to enhance the confidence, mental and emotional wellbeing of homeless and vulnerably housed people in Newham and surrounding Boroughs. The project used workshops and devised music theatre showcase to explore and raise awareness of the possible causes and effects of homelessness, vulnerable living, marginalisation and isolation of homeless people and people living in vulnerable housing.
Output:
- Creative music-making and gentle movement workshops to facilitate interaction;
- Oral storytelling workshops for confidence building;
- National Open College Network (NOCN) accredited training programme;
- Signposting and information sharing;
- Community event to raise awareness about homelessness and vulnerable housing.
Project Meetings and Discussions
The Magic of Rhythms Workshops / Rehearsals
The Magic of Rhythms Showcase
Feedback from participants and audiences:
- Something new to learn and enjoy.
- I think that it is a good way of making music
- You brought African sunshine to my day.
- It was a wonderful experience watching people with lack of confidence build it and also direct others to perform well too.
- The Magic of Rhythms.’ was a very impactful performance. Real. Emphatic and offers hope, joy and good cheer while reminding people about good community relations.
- We really enjoyed the performance by IROKO. Their compilation appealed to all cultures; breaking down any language barriers. I would recommend the group for any cross cultural events. Many thanks.
- More production like this within grassroots environment will keep the wider community always aware of issues affecting homeless people.
- I think we should be aware and help homeless people and the vulnerable so that they also feel they are welcome in the society and not to be left alone because loneliness kills….
John Barber, Queen’s Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Newham with Alex Oma-Pius, Artistic Director of IROKO
- Carpenters Café
- Bridges Homeless Support
- Caritas Anchor House
- The Salvation Army
- London Borough of Newham
- The Connection at St Martin’s
- CRISIS
- Shelter
