Theatre can change the story of homelessness. Too often, people experiencing it face stigma, isolation, and barriers to opportunity — while their voices go unheard.
For over 30 years, Cardboard Citizens has helped people affected by homelessness, using theatre and performance training to build confidence, gain skills, and find community. Our productions are created by those with lived experience, challenging public perceptions and inspiring compassion and action.
Each year, we work directly with around 200 people, known as our Cardboard Citizens Members. Our outreach work, performances and campaigns reach thousands more.
Our Impact
- 150,000 people reached through More Than One Story 2024, a series of nine monologue films created in collaboration with The Big Issue
- 88% of audiences reported deeper understanding and were inspired to act
- 92% of workshop participants reported reduced stress and anxiety
- 1 in 2 programme participants achieved an educational or professional outcome
“My interaction [with Cardboard Citizens] has been life changing. I saw myself move away from hopelessness into hopefulness. I connected with society, I developed HOPE, I moved into safety, growth and recovery. I became empowered, included and listened to.”
– Cardboard Citizens Member
Donate today
Every gift opens doors and creates lasting change:
£50 – Could fund a one-to-one advice session for someone with nowhere else to turn
£100 – Could cover travel and food for 10 Members to attend a workshop
£500 – Could help four Members gain a qualification towards work or training
£1,000 – Could provide five creative workshops with professional artists
Join Our Commissioning Circle
This autumn marks a pivotal moment with the launch of More Than One Story: The Anthology – 37 monologues by writers with lived experience – alongside the launch of our Commissioning Circle, a campaign to support artists whose voices are too often unheard.
By joining, you will be part of a community helping to reshape UK theatre and society.
£1,500 – could help bring the anthology to life, giving an emerging artist a platform to speak their truth
£3,000 – could fund a new commission and support artists through our growing Artist Network
£10,000 – could help develop a major new production led by artists with lived experience
To find out more, please email Leone Richmond, Head of Development at leone@cardboardcitizens.org.uk
Be Part of the Change
Together, we can transform lives through theatre and ensure that voices that have been silenced are finally heard. Thank you for standing with us.
