At Speech Bubbles, we are thrilled to be working with The Kenora Charitable Foundation to expand our programme into new areas. Thanks to their support, we have been able to build new partnerships and reach even more children in need.
Speech Bubbles is a drama-based initiative designed to support children with speech, language, and communication needs. Through our carefully structured, weekly small-group creative programme, we help KS1 children develop confidence, wellbeing, and essential speaking and listening skills.
Growing with The Kenora Charitable Foundation
In our first year of funding from The Kenora Charitable Foundation, we were able to collaborate with Bristol Old Vic Theatre and have a profound impact on the children we work with.
How the Project is Progressing
Kara Black, their Young Company and Schools Producer, explains:
“Speech Bubbles has become an invaluable addition to Bristol Old Vic’s outreach work.
We are currently working with four primary schools in Bristol, all of which have already seen the benefits of the programme.”
“I just want to say how well the project has run at CPA. We are really seeing the benefits. Thank you for your hard work—it has made a huge difference to our learners.”
What It Means for Bristol Old Vic and Local Schools
Drama is rarely a central part of the primary curriculum, yet it offers children an important space to express themselves, build confidence, and develop key communication skills. Observing Speech Bubbles in action, it is clear how much the children benefit from having a creative platform to play, perform, and share their own stories.
The impact extends beyond the students. Practitioners and school staff delivering the sessions have received valuable training, enhancing their professional development.
For Bristol Old Vic, this collaboration has deepened relationships with local primary schools, turning them into long-term partners. We’re not just supporting the 20 children in each school who take part—we’re engaging with whole school communities. Thanks to this partnership:
- Students have been invited to see shows at Bristol Old Vic for free—an exciting first-time theatre experience for many.
- Some students have been offered bursary places in our Young Company, allowing them to continue drama sessions beyond the school setting.
On a personal level, Speech Bubbles has also shaped my professional growth, giving me valuable insights into managing school-based projects grounded in educational research. The programme’s built-in evaluation process ensures measurable improvements in communication skills, wellbeing, and academic progress.
Looking Ahead
We are delighted that, with continued support from The Kenora Charitable Foundation, we will be extending our partnership with Bristol Old Vic into the 2025–26 school year.
Excitingly, The Kenora Charitable Foundation has also committed funding to launch Speech Bubbles in Cornwall, a region where many schools struggle to access creative support. In Cornwall, we will be partnering with the highly respected Hall for Cornwall, based in Truro, to bring our programme to even more children who need it most.
The Kenora Charitable Foundation is a unique funder—supportive, knowledgeable, and meaningfully engaged in the projects they help bring to life.
From all of us at Speech Bubbles, and on behalf of the children who benefit, we want to say a huge THANK YOU!
