Children of Waterford publish book representing home and community

 

“Up the Hill, Down the Hill” is a book written and illustrated by children living in Respond communities

Children from Respond communities in Waterford have published a new book, Up the Hill, Down the Hill, sharing their stories and ideas about home and community through words and illustrations. Respond, a construction led approved housing body and service provider, was delighted to partner with Kids Own to publish the book.

The book was created through a series of artist-led workshops run by arts organisation Kids’ Own. The children took part in creative writing and visual art sessions designed to explore themes of belonging, friendship and daily life in their neighbourhoods.

The finished publication is a celebration of their voices and imaginations.

Children from Respond estates, Early Learning and School Age Care Services and Family Support services took part in the project.

Respond Family Support Services welcomed families to Killure Grove Community Centre to celebrate the launch, gifting the children their own copy of the book. Children enjoyed activities on the day, and the cutting of a cake to mark the special occasion.

Niamh Randall, spokesperson for Respond said:

“We are delighted to see the book come to life. The book represents all the children in their own special way, providing an outlet for them to share their stories and what they deem as important in their lives.

“Thanks to Kids Own for collaborating so closely with the children of Respond to bring this vision to life, and to The Arts Council for Young People, Children and Education Project Award for providing the funding for this project.”

Lorna Kavanagh, Project Manager for Kids Own said:

“We were delighted at Kids’ Own to collaborate with Respond Housing on ‘Up the Hill Down the Hill’—a project that truly places children’s voices at its heart. The children’s creativity and their thoughtful reflections on home and community shine through every page, offering a moving and authentic insight into their lived experiences.”

The Arts Council Young People, Children, and Education Project Award provided the funding for this initiative.

The book was developed by artist Maree Hensey and writers Mary Branley and Jo Holmwood in collaboration with the children and families involved.

 

 

Download Up The Hill, Down The Hill

 

 

 

 

Contact: Niamh McGovern, Communications Officer, Respond, 0874098129

About Respond

Respond, a construction-led Approved Housing Body and service provider, has been working all around Ireland for over 40 years. Our vision is that every family and individual in Ireland will have high‐quality housing as part of a vibrant and caring community. Housing and decent accommodation, in the areas where people want to live, are central to improving people’s lives and enhancing the health and well‐being of society.

18,347 tenants live in 8,190 properties across the 26 counties that we either own or manage. Respond also provide a range of services for families and individuals within our communities. This includes emergency accommodation with 24/7 support for families who are homeless in six Family Homeless Services, three Day Care Services for Older People, 17 Early Learning Service and Childcare, Family Support and Refugee Resettlement services. Our aim is to provide person centred services to support people to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

Respond is a member of the Housing Alliance, the collaboration of 7 of Ireland’s largest Approved Housing bodies (AHBs). The Housing Alliance’s purpose is to work with Government and Local Authorities to promote the delivery of social and affordable homes, address barriers to delivery and advocate strongly for responsible, professional housing management. In 2022 our 7 not-for-profit members delivered more than 4,000 of Ireland’s voluntary housing stock delivered that year.

 

About Kids Own

Kids’ Own is a children’s arts organisation and publishing house, based in Sligo and working nationally. We bring artists and writers together with children and young people to create books that share their real stories, ideas, and experiences. Since 1997, we have published over 100 books by children, for children.