News
Bringing Joy, Confidence and Creativity to Families Through Circusful
At Ark Housing, we recognise that waiting for permanent accommodation can be a challenging and uncertain time for families experiencing homelessness. Through our Homeless Services Team, funded by the Supporting People Programme, we are committed to providing more than just temporary accommodation. We want to create opportunities for residents to build confidence, develop new skills, and make positive memories while they stay with us.
That is why we are delighted to welcome Circusful, Ireland's leading circus arts organisation, as one of the newest partners in our Community Engagement Programme.
For over 35 years, Circusful has used circus skills and creative activities to bring people together, promote wellbeing, and encourage personal development. Through a series of outreach sessions at Ark's family centres, children and young people will have the opportunity to learn exciting circus skills in a safe, supportive and fun environment.
The programme will be delivered by Circusful trainer Hillas Smith, known as "Mr H", an experienced performer and educator who has spent many years inspiring people through circus arts. Sessions will combine games, teamwork and skill-building activities designed to help young people develop confidence, resilience and communication skills.
As Hillas explains:
"We are working with the young people in Ark, using games and the learning of circus skills to help them gain confidence, expressing themselves, while also learning to listen to each other. According to our maxim of 'try, fail, grow', they also learn resilience and the importance of repeated attempts in order to succeed. And most of all, to have fun!"
Circus activities offer a wide range of benefits for children and young people. Skills such as juggling, balancing and object manipulation can help improve coordination, concentration and physical confidence. Just as importantly, learning new skills in a supportive group setting encourages self-esteem, teamwork and perseverance.
For families living in temporary accommodation, these sessions will provide a welcome opportunity to have fun, connect with others and experience something new. They will add colour, creativity and vibrancy to daily life, helping children build positive experiences during what can often be a difficult period of uncertainty.
Ark's Community Engagement Programme continues to work with a growing network of partners to deliver meaningful activities that support the wellbeing of residents across our services. By introducing innovative programmes such as Circusful, we aim to create opportunities that strengthen communities, reduce isolation and help families feel supported while they await a permanent home.
We are excited to see the smiles, laughter and confidence that these sessions will bring, and we look forward to sharing updates as our partnership with Circusful develops.
Through creativity, connection and community, we can help make every family's journey towards a permanent home a little brighter.