Helping children in care to find greater meaning in life

The Foundling Museum, based in London, the United Kingdom, is a history and art museum which, through a dynamic programme, celebrates the ways in which artists of all disciplines have helped improve children’s lives for over 275 years. Its mission is to inspire adults and children to make a positive contribution to society, by celebrating the power of individuals and the arts to change lives.

The Foundling Museum has a number of programmes to support children in care, but until now, they have not been led by young people who have grown up and experienced living in care firsthand. Now, the Museum is starting a new project to train young adults who grew up in children’s homes or in foster care to develop and deliver creative workshops.

This unique programme, called Tracing our Tales, will equip young adults from various London boroughs, who have been through the care system, with the skills to deliver workshops to children in care facing similar challenges. Tracing Our Tales will help children in homes and foster care to develop the following valuable life skills: public speaking; critical and creative thinking; people management; and art and creative expression.

It is hoped that the children attending the workshops will feel inspired and empowered by the Foundling Hospital story. Oak Foundation is happy to be able to support this project.

This work falls under our Special Interest Programme, which cover a wide range of fields, including health, humanitarian relief, education and the arts. Find out more here.