Our work with Centres
The Academy of St Martin in the Fields works in frontline homelessness centres across London, using music as a powerful way to bring people together, build confidence and create opportunities for self-expression. Through series of 6-8 week projects, we work alongside people experiencing homelessness to explore creativity in a welcoming, supportive environment.
Each project is led by expert workshop leaders and musicians from the orchestra, who collaborate with participants through improvisation-based music-making. No previous musical experience is needed, and all instruments are provided. Together, participants experiment with sound, develop new skills and create original music that reflects their ideas, experiences and voices.
“Thank you for coming to our centre and helping to organise a lovely event. It was great to see our guests engage in this kind of activity, as we don’t do this kind of thing often enough. It would be great to have you back at some point in the future.”— Centre Manager
At the heart of this work is collaboration and empowerment. The projects culminate in informal performances within the centres themselves, giving participants the opportunity to share their work with peers, staff and visitors. These performances celebrate creativity, strengthen relationships and help foster positive connections between clients and centre staff, leaving a lasting impact long after the final session.
Participants are encouraged to take creative risks, contribute their own ideas and work collectively towards a shared goal. Over the course of each project, we see growing confidence, stronger communication and a genuine sense of pride in what has been achieved. Participants often report feeling a greater sense of citizenship and belonging, while learning valuable creative and social skills along the way.
Those who participate in projects are invited to join Ensemble Unheard, our collective performance project, giving people we meet a chance to continue creative exploration and skill development.
Since 2023 we have worked with the following centres:
The Connection at St Martin’s, The Outside Project, The 999 Club, Vineyard Community Centre, Refettorio Felix, Ollalo House, The Upper Room, The 240 Project, Margins at Union Chapel, Ace of Clubs, The Manna Centre, C4WS