Upswing Aerial

04/09/2026

Have you heard of the Homemade Circus Toolkit? And did you know it’s just had an update?

For a decade, Upswing has been bringing circus to older people, and through this work we created the Homemade Circus Toolkit, a free digital toolkit of circus-inspired activities and resources that bring movement, creativity and connection into care environments in accessible ways.

And now, we’ve added something new!

With funding from Parkinson's UK and support from University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, we took a collaborative approach to adapt the toolkit specifically for people living with Parkinson’s.

From running weekly circus workshops across Staffordshire, to working alongside Parkinson’s specialist nurses, clinical staff and participants, we explored how activities could be adapted and used in ways that work for the individual.

So, whether you’re discovering Homemade Circus for the first time or have used the toolkit before, there’s now even more to explore!

👉🏽 Explore the updated toolkit: https://homemadecircus.co.uk/

Learn to lead inspiring circus sessions in your care home with Homemade Circus. Instructional videos, activity worksheets, and expert guidance, you'll have the skills and confidence to lead inspiring circus activities for your residents.

25/08/2026

Have you been wanting to get involved with Upswing? Well now might be your chance!

We’re currently looking for people to join us on two exciting projects. From a creative impact legacy film, to supporting a small touring performance across Staffordshire.

Find out more information about each role and how to apply below:

—> Creative video producer: https://upswing.org.uk/news/creative-video-producer-call-out/

Deadline to Apply: Thursday 27th August, 5pm

—> Freelance Tour Coordinator & Stage Manager: https://upswing.org.uk/news/freelance-tour-coordinator-stage-manager/

Deadline to apply: Tuesday 1st September

Think this could be you? Then we want to hear from you ✨

04/08/2026

Meet Jaide! Upswing’s Associate Artist, Marketing Admin & Content Creator.

Hey 👋🏽 I’m excited to officially introduce myself! Since joining Upswing as a performer in Showdown, I’ve grown so much as an artist, but I’m excited to now be stepping into a new role where I can share more of how our work takes shape and help tell the stories that make Upswing what it is ✨

Circus and content creation are two things I genuinely find joy in doing, so I jumped at the opportunity to combine them in one role.

Alongside continuing to perform with Upswing, I’ll be capturing the people, projects and creative processes that happen both on and off stage, and in the communities we work in.

So stay tuned for more behind the scenes content from Moi! 🫶🏽

📸 by: Andy Phillipson

Jaide Annalise: https://upswing.org.uk/our-team/

30/07/2026

We're looking for a creative Video Producer to make a legacy and impact film that's as bold as any show we'd put on stage.

Call-out to any video producers or small teams out there who can take 15 years of Upswing’s work, along with testimonials, hard data and our rough brief, and find a way to shape it into a film that holds its own as a distinct, creative project.

We want the video to show our reach and the difference our work has made, but we are not looking for a corporate promo. We need something that genuinely inspires people to reach out to us to collaborate, invest in and partner with Upswing.

If you’re looking to get your teeth into a new creative project that’s ambitious and a little bit unexpected, find more details here: https://upswing.org.uk/news/creative-video-producer-call-out/

Deadline to apply: Thursday 27 Aug

We’re looking for a creative video producer or video team to make a short, honest, character-led legacy and impact film for Upswing. We need a person or team to help us make an impact and legacy video. The film will show our reach and the difference our work has made over the past 15 years, ...Rea...

28/07/2026

We want to say a big thank you to Garfield Weston Foundation for supporting Upswing with funding for the next year.

We’re extremely grateful because this kind of steady support lets a mid-sized circus company (like us!) plan between big shows and invest properly in the teams who make the work.

More projects incoming soon 👀

📸 Photos by: Dan Martin

14/07/2026

Vicki is stepping down as Creative Director and Co-CEO at Albany Deptford

While she’ll be really missed over there, she will now be turning her focus more fully to Upswing’s vision and next adventure(s)!

During her time at the Albany she helped lead and shape an important chapter in their story, leaving an extraordinary legacy, deep affection for the organisation and its community, and many inspired.

We are lucky to have her, and we can’t wait to see what we create together next. If you’ve been involved with her work over the the Albany over the past years, show her some love on this post! 🙌🏽

Photo: Hugh Hill