→ Belongings
→ Supporting Care Experienced Young People
→ Therapeutic Theatre Week
→ Working Together with The University of Kent

Belongings

Belongings In collaboration with Tangled Feet and with our thanks for funding from the Arts Council England, we are proud to have been a part of creating a new show ‘Belongings’.

The therapeutic theatre process involved a group of young people in Care, who Rowan Tree have worked with through our Dramatherapy groups, becoming Co-Creators. They were integral to the making process, advising, and offering insight into the challenges they have experienced. The Co-Creators came on board as a fundamental part of the creative team ensuring the show has an authentic voice and represents Children in Care honestly. A wonderful show was born for 6-11 year olds with its heart in finding your feet, friendship and somewhere to belong.

Reviews and Press

'So much more than theatre, Belongings is an outlet for therapy, a joyful celebration of childhood play, an articulation of resilience and a message that children in care can find their place in the world.'
~ Everything-theatre.co.uk

'It’s brilliantly done, managing to be extremely relatable for children with no experience of the care system while giving them a rare insight into the reality of life in foster care.
~ TheFamilyStage.co.uk

'There are more than 92,000 children in care in the UK. They still face stigma and a lack of understanding...but one play aims to change that.'
~ The Big Issue

Audience Feedback

'I felt a sense of not being alone and like I was normal for the first time…made my heart warm.'
Child feedback on work in progress performance.

'Magic, absolute magic.'
Audience member.

'It made me really think about saying goodbye at the end of the school day.'
Headteacher

'That was my story on the stage.'
A young person who has grown up in care.

*BELONGINGS RESOURCE PACK

Supporting Children in Care
with the help of Children in Need

Children in Need funded us for over 7 years to provide groups and individual longer term Dramatherapy to young people who do not live with their birth parents. A sense of community and belonging is vital to supporting good mental health; offering opportunity for shared experience through our groups in the community provides a creative space for growth and healing.

Our project funding extended to support carers further in response to the increased challenges the pandemic has brought.

We are extremely grateful of the support and funding Children in Need have given Rowan Tree since 2016 and hope to continue to work together to meet the needs of vulnerable young people across Kent.

Therapeutic Theatre week: Refugee Community

Following the success of our therapeutic theatre project in 2019, where we offered a creative week of Dramatherapy and puppet making with refugee families, in collaboration with Strangeface Theatre Company, Tonbridge Welcomes Refugees, and Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees, we are looking to develop our links and work together.

Thank you to National Lottery Awards for All for funding this wonderful project.

Working together with The University of Kent

With Funding from The Colyer Fergusson Charitable Trust, Rowan Tree have been providing group therapy for young people preparing to leave care, and young care leavers. The groups run weekly over 15 weeks and take place at the university’s Gulbenkian Theatre. The aim of the groups is to support and explore life approaching and after 18. Navigating these years can be a challenge and we recognise the additional aspects to being in care. The groups offer opportunity for shared experience, creative expression and peer support within a university campus.

If you would like to refer a young person aged 15-18 or are aged 18-25 and would like to refer yourself, please contact Justine or Bryony at contact@rowantreedramatherapy.co.uk

This pilot project ends in February 2026.

Creative Arts Day

As part of our project supporting young people who are care experienced, we hosted a free creative arts day at The Gulbenkian Theatre Canterbury in February 2025.

Young people came together from all over Kent and Medway and enjoyed workshops in Contemporary Dance, Drama and Drumming!

testimonials

'I felt confident enough to leave the negativity and criticising myself behind.'Mum from Post Natal Depression Dramatherapy group

'He has become much more confident in himself. He is able to express his feelings and let people know his opinion and ideas with a raised self-esteem and self-assurance that he was lacking before.' From a SENCO of a young person who participated in Dramatherapy.

'He is doing really well in college thanks to your (Rowan Tree) build up (of support) over the recent years.'From a parent of a young person who attended individual therapy.

'Everyone here is nice and kind to each other.' A young person taking part in our service for refugees.

'I was surprised at the confidence of some of the more timid adults by the end of the group. I feel honoured, privileged and inspired to have been part of this experience. 'A volunteer supporting at one of our projects for refugees.

'Amazing workshop along with very lively welcome from everyone at Rowan Tree.' From a participant of a continuing Professional Development workshop.

'Sessions are always excellent, high quality and a good balance of activities.' Teacher from Clinical Supervision session.

'My student placement with Rowan Tree has provided infinitely more than the practical experience required to graduate as a Dramatherapist.' From a trainee Dramatherapist on placement with us

We are currently established within a range of educational settings where we offer group and individual therapy. In supporting our community, we receive referrals from children and adult services to enable individuals to access therapy through our project work, or to work with us as a bespoke intervention. We provide supervision to staff teams, individuals and leaders within a range of settings including education, therapy, and charity organisations.

rowan tree dramatherapy.