Members of Troupe worked with film maker Iain Gray, Director Toni McElhatton, Writer Sarah Watson and Curious Monkey’s creative team to produce a 360 film installation in 2018, sharing the experiences that young people have as they move through different placements in the care system. The group were involved in creating the characters and the stories as well as working on the production and performances in the films.

In May 2021, we filmed a set of three new 360 films written by Paddy Campbell in consultation with members of Troupe and other young people with experience of the care system, carers and social workers exploring the theme of family contact. These films will be used in training settings and other events to raise awareness of the issues faced by people with personal or professional experience of the care system to encourage empathy and ultimately improve that experience.

If you or your organisation are interested in the 360 films, or would like to find out more, please contact us

Troupe is a group for young people in care and care leavers, offering a unique opportunity to get involved in creative projects and work with professional artists. The project is open to young people in the North East with a care background or living in supported accommodation aged 14-18. Troupe originally formed in 2016 alongside the creation of ‘Leaving’ by Paddy Campbell. ‘Leaving’ is a play sharing the real stories of people involved in the care system, from young people to staff, MPs to Ofsted inspectors. The play was produced in 2016 by Curious Monkey in association with Northern Stage.

The 360 films are funded by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, The Kavli Trust and the Newcastle Culture Investment Fund through the Community Foundation Serving Tyne and Wear and Northumberland.