Children’s Experiences of Forced Migration – Newcastle University and City of Sanctuary UK

A series of four research animations exploring children’s experiences of forced migration to the UK, commissioned by City of Sanctuary UK and Professor Peter Hopkins at Newcastle University. The animations were created as part of the Schools of Sanctuary initiative — a network of more than 1,100 primary and secondary schools, nurseries and sixth forms across the UK, all committed to creating a culture of welcome, understanding and belonging for those forced to flee. They’ll be shared across the network alongside other educational materials, helping teachers foster welcoming classrooms for newly arrived children.

Translating research into animation meant working closely with the team at Newcastle University to make sure children’s real experiences stayed at the centre of every creative decision. The result is a set of films designed for public engagement, accessible enough for young audiences and backed by research to support genuine understanding in the classroom. As City of Sanctuary put it: “Schools are the heart of our communities and are central to building a better, fairer and kinder society – for everyone.“

I’m honoured to have been invited to collaborate on this project, and grateful to have worked with such insightful, compassionate and dedicated people. If you’re a researcher or organisation looking to bring your work to wider audiences through animation, I’d love to hear from you — get in touch here.