Creative Connections at The Lilya Lighthouse Education Trust: Five Weeks of Drama, Imagination and Connection
Over the last few months, the BeatFeet team, in partnership with Pulp Fiction CIO, has had the joy of working with the wonderful children and young people at The Lilya Lighthouse Education Trust Ltd in Nottingham, a truly special setting where kindness, curiosity and confidence are part of daily life.
As part of our Creative Connections project, supported by Arts Council England, we delivered a five-week series of drama-based expressive arts workshops designed to build connection, confidence and a sense of belonging through creativity.
The sessions were co-led by community musician Angela Warren alongside Clare and Michelle, two emerging young creatives from Pulp Friction CIO. Together they created a safe, inclusive space where pupils could explore ideas, play with movement and story, and experience positive, caring interactions within their school community.
From the very first session, the group’s imagination and teamwork were inspiring. Each week brought new ways to express emotions, share ideas, and support one another. Whether through storytelling, role-play or simple creative games, the focus was always on celebrating individuality and discovering joy in shared creative moments.
One of the most beautiful things about this project was seeing students’ confidence grow week by week. Some who were quiet at first began taking the lead in group activities, while others found their own ways to shine through expressive gestures, humour, or gentle encouragement of their peers. The sessions became a real celebration of the many ways we communicate and connect.
This series formed part of BeatFeet’s wider Creative Connections programme, which brings inclusive, expressive arts workshops to schools and community settings across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. The project focuses on children and young people with SEND and neurodivergent experiences, creating accessible opportunities to learn, collaborate and perform through music, dance, drama and art.
At its heart, Creative Connections is about belonging and helping young people feel part of something creative and caring, and giving them space to explore what’s possible through the arts.
We’d like to say a huge thank-you to everyone at The Lilya Lighthouse Education Trust for welcoming us so warmly and for sharing their creativity and energy with our team. And a big thank you to Angela, Clare and Michelle for their passion, care, and inclusive approach throughout the five weeks and during the celebration session.
Thank you for following our Creative Connections project. You can view all showreel clips over on our YouTube platform - Click here!