North Swindon MP Visits The Big House Theatre Company To See Their Work To Support Care Leavers

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson has visited The Big House Theatre Company to see the work it does with care leavers.

As the Minister responsible for care leavers, Justin was keen to see the work being done with care leavers who are at risk of social exclusion, offering the chance to help them learn valuable skills and unleash their potential.

Through The Big House programme, the company aims to facilitate personal growth and inspire creativity among care leavers. The programme includes Life Skills Workshops, which can cover topics such as alcohol and drug abuse, gang membership, criminal activity, successful parenting, and healthy relationships.

The issues raised in the workshops, and the experiences shared by participants, are then used as inspiration for a play created by professional writers – who work with participants to stage a production of the play.

Justin's visit follows the launch last month of a new cross-government Care Leavers Covenant. The Covenant will help care leavers navigate the work opportunities available and support them in fulfilling their ambitions; giving them access to work placements and internships with big businesses, Government departments, museums, and theatres.

Justin Tomlinson MP said: “It was fascinating to see The Big House and the important work it does to provide support & opportunities for young people leaving the care system. It is vital that the voices and experiences of care leavers are heard, and initiatives like The Big House provide an incredibly creative and powerful way of doing this.”