‘One mum I spoke with was overwhelmed and crying because they had never been to the circus before,’ said Sioned Parish-James, KidsOut Children’s Services Project Leader. ‘She was a single mother of five on a very low income, and she was so surprised by the opportunity for free tickets.’

On the 11^th of October, KidsOut helped 50 children and guardians attend a Circus Starr performance in Milton Keynes. Bringing together families in the Buckinghamshire area, the group consisted of children in refuge and those the council had identified as in poverty.

‘It meant a lot to me to hear her appreciation,’ said Parish-James. ‘It reminds me that we’re working with the right people here; the ones who really need it.’

Circus Starr is a not-for-profit touring circus boasting world-class, professional artists from across the globe. First founded in 1987, it partners with charities and local businesses to provide free seats for disadvantaged children.

Having regularly collaborated with Circus Starr on an annual basis, in 2016 KidsOut will expand on the partnership to provide tickets to children throughout the year. ‘I am delighted about this exciting partnership,’ said Sandra Doherty, Head of Children’s Services. ‘We look forward to building it year on year to provide even more opportunities for the children we support.’