Supporting inclusive Oldham theatre company to bring stories of home to life

28/07/2026

We are delighted to have supported an inclusive local theatre company in creating and sharing a powerful new production that shines a light on what home means to people with different lived experiences, perspectives and journeys.

In My Shoes Theatre Company, an Oldham-based disability-led ensemble of artists, shared extracts from its original production Welcome Home with FCHO colleagues and partners at First Place on Thursday 9 July. 

Through performance, music, movement, poetry and storytelling, Welcome Home explores personal experiences of home, including care settings in childhood and adulthood, supported accommodation and living with family and partners.  

The project was primarily funded by Arts Council England, with additional support from FCHO through our community investment programme. The production was also supported by MioCare Group. The funding from FCHO forms part of our commitment to working with local community organisations and supporting projects that help people feel safe, connected and included in their neighbourhoods. 

Ben Thomas, Head of Community Services, said: “We were proud to support Welcome Home because it brings to life the many different experiences people have of home, belonging and community. 

“As a housing provider, we know that homes are more than bricks and mortar. Home is about feeling safe, connected and included, and this production gives local disabled artists a powerful platform to share their stories and start important conversations.” 

Emily Skeldon, Founder and Artistic Director at In My Shoes Theatre Company, added:  

"We are incredibly grateful to First Choice Homes Oldham for their continued support and for giving us the opportunity to perform extracts from Welcome Home at First Place.

"It was a privilege to share our lived experiences of what home, independence and community mean to us with FCHO colleagues and partners—the very people who help shape housing services and inclusive communities. We hope our stories inspire meaningful conversations about creating places where everyone feels safe, valued and truly at home." 

A public performance of Welcome Home also took place at Millgate Arts Centre in Delph on Saturday 9 May 2026.  

By backing disability-led theatre in Oldham, FCHO is helping to amplify local voices and support creative projects that deepen understanding of what home, independence and community can mean to different people.