CHAMPIONS PROJECT
Children in Homeless Accommodations Managing Poverty Invisibility Or Non-inclusive Strategies
CHAMPIONS PSP REFUGEE PLAY documentary released
'Wash My Mind, Heal My Heart', CHAMPIONS partner project PSP REFUGEE documentary on play created and performed by a group of migrant and asylum seeking Arabic-and Kurdish-speaking mothers of children under the age of 5 who live in temporary accommodation in the UK co-produced by Response Ability Theatre and CHAMPIONS released on YouTube in June 2025.
CHAMPIONS is a national project looking at the impact of living in poverty on children under 5 who are living in temporary accommodation (TA) due to experiencing homelessness. We are working alongside families and professionals to co-develop recommendations for future support and best practices.
These are grounded in research evidence in order to support families’ recovery after the pandemic and enable professionals to prepare for future pandemics.
“We need to listen, learn and act. Children are our future and it is our duty to provide them with the best start in life. The pandemic should not be allowed to prevent this. We are at risk of failing children living in temporary accommodation.”
CHAMPIONS Project PI: Prof Monica Lakhanpaul
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
We have four research objectives that link together. Through them, we will co-develop recommendations to help children and families recover from the pandemic. Find out more about our objectives by clicking images below:
Research existing global strategies and interventions which are effective for improving coverage, access and use of Early Child Health programmes for marginalised and excluded children under 5 years old.
Using families’ lived experiences, identify the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the health and wellbeing of children under 5 years old living in TA, and the public health requirements they will have during the recovery phase of the pandemic.
Co-develop strategies by exploring possible and acceptable strategic interventions with help from health professionals, local authorities and wider stakeholders
Share the results of our work with policymakers, local authorities and families and advocate for their application in policy, such as in UK child health programmes or assistance for families in TA to deal with COVID-19.
PUBLIC RESOURCE MATERIAL
HELP CHILDREN HAVE THEIR SAY
The CHAMPIONS Project is committed to giving back to children and communities across the country. That’s why we’ve been working with partners, such as artists at Graffwerk, to organise creative workshops and events for vulnerable children.
Our research funding does not cover these workshops and events, so we rely on the generosity of individuals and organisations. If you would like to give children the opportunity to show their creative sides, share stories and make these visible, you can donate with the link below, and the funds will be held by our partner, EKAM UK.
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