Inspiring creativity and 'Beating Plastic Pollution' in Kent SEND Schools

Kent Community Foundation Supports Innovative Arts Project Turning "Space Junk" into Self-Esteem for SEND Young People

World Environment Day (5th June 2025) highlights the urgent need to "Beat Plastic Pollution." In Kent, a creative community project supported by Kent Community Foundation is not only tackling waste but also delivering profound artistic and emotional impact for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Circo Rum Ba Ba's "Over The Moon" project, funded by Kent Community Foundation, brought a unique space-themed theatre experience directly to 15 SEND schools across Kent. But the project started long before the performances. Working with ZigZag scrap store in Chatham, the project provided recycled materials, transforming what could have been plastic pollution into imaginative "asteroids, space junk, comets, and satellites."

Instead of working directly with the young people, Circo Rum Ba Ba redesigned their workshops to empower school staff. Teachers and support workers learned to create these props from the reclaimed materials, then shared this knowledge with their students. This approach was vital for including young people with profound and complex needs, ensuring the creative process was sensitive and bespoke.

The environmental impact was a core consideration. Recognising that many school creations end up in the bin, every prop prototype was designed so its components could be taken apart and reused for future projects, promoting a circular approach to creativity and reducing waste.

The culmination was a captivating performance where young people brought their recycled "space junk" to life. The astronaut character moved through a "skyscape" of their creations, giving status to their artwork and boosting their self-esteem. 

"Without the grant, we wouldn't have been able to provide this creative opportunity that put the creative impact at the heart of the schools themselves," said a spokesperson for Circo Rum Ba Ba. "The project has been a resounding success, demonstrating that creativity, environmental responsibility, and profound personal growth can go hand-in-hand."

This initiative exemplifies how local action, supported by Kent Community Foundation, can creatively address critical environmental challenges while enriching the lives of vulnerable young people. 

Do you have a project that supports both people and planet? We're passionate about nurturing initiatives that make a positive impact on both our community and our environment. Find out more about our funding guidance and how to apply here.