stories for sleeping

Stories for Sleeping is a collection of bedtime stories and messages made for and by refugee young people new to the UK. The audio recorded stories are in English and other languages too.

We created this project because we noticed a problem. Lots of our members, friends and community told us they were struggling to sleep, and these conversations led us here. The stories are hopeful, relaxing and sound like home. They are a reminder for our listeners that they are not alone.

We hope these stories make you feel peaceful. Please share with your friends, housemates, students in your college and anyone else you think might like to listen. You can also follow us on instagram: @storiesforsleeping.

story collection

Light by Nour

Spring by Anna

The Trail by Juba

My Mirror by Fina

Stand Tall by Tariq

Future by Abdul

Sleep by New Life

Never Give Up by Riaz

Welcome to the UK by Ahmad

The Waves by Nur

Amazing by Anne

Everything is for Good by Amanuel Setegne

The Wolf by Muhammad

Traffic by An-Nur

The Change by Sura

The New Friend by Lekha

Hello My Dear by Grace

About

Stories for Sleeping was developed by our Co-Artistic Director Kate, as part of her practice research PhD project at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Through this project Kate has been exploring how performance can establish practices of care, friendship and solidarity between refugee youth. Kate has collaborated with Phosphoros on a number of practice research projects since 2018, and enjoyed working on Stories for Sleeping with many newly arrived young people living in different parts of the UK. For more information about Kate and her research click here

Stories for Sleeping involved lots of creative workshops and storytelling sessions with refugee youth organisations and members of Phosphoros Theatre. Thank you to project facilitators Syed and Becca; assistants Sara, Nour, Bayram, Moawia and Mohamed; sound whizz Pav; and overall project support Juliet. Project partners included: Nottingham Education Sanctuary Team, Red Cross Refugee and Befriending Project, Springboard Youth Academy, Hammersmith and West London College and the Baytree Centre.