Circus Skills York CIC brings the transformative power of circus arts to schools, communities and corporate teams. Building confidence, wellbeing and community spirit, this non-profit helps people of all ages discover what’s possible when they step outside their comfort zone.
Origins and Motivation
After a career at the University of York, Stuart found himself unexpectedly made redundant. However, rather than seeing it as a setback, he took it as an opportunity to turn a lifelong passion into a social enterprise in 2017.
“I have loved teaching since I was eight,” he says. “I remember showing my cousin how to do a forward and backward roll and thinking how amazing it felt to help someone achieve something. I gradually picked up loads of circus-related hobbies, so it seemed a natural step to turn it into a full-time business - encouraging people, bringing them together and having fun while staying active.”
That ethos became Circus Skills York CIC, a community interest company rooted in social purpose rather than profit.
“Our mission is to sprinkle the magic of circus arts into schools, communities and businesses. It’s about giving people joy, helping them believe they can do things they never thought they could and using that spark to build stronger, happier communities.
“I didn’t set out to get rich. wanted to benefit society, to give people hope and to help them grow in confidence. If you find a hobby you enjoy, you keep fit without even realising it - and you do it alongside others.”
Inspiring Young People Through Schools
Around two-thirds of his work takes place in schools, mainly primary, but not exclusively. Stuart and his colourful collection of circus props are now a familiar sight in playgrounds and sports halls around York.
“Lots of schools want to show children other ways to do PE, rather than the traditional football or netball. Circus offers a totally different way to get active. It’s inclusive, creative and fun. Every single child can find something they’re good at.”
What often begins as a one-off workshop frequently becomes a regular feature in the school week. Tang Hall Primary, for example, invited Stuart in for a single day back in 2018. “It’s now a weekly club. The children love it. It’s one of three regular school clubs I run at the moment.”
Through these clubs, Stuart has seen countless examples of transformation.
“I had one boy who is autistic, who’d never joined in with PE or group games. By the end of his first term in the circus club, he took part in a game and followed every instruction. His teaching assistant was in tears. It was the first time he’d ever done that. That’s the power of circus.”
Bringing Joy to Communities
In addition to schools, Circus Skills York brings its performances and workshops to community events, summer fairs and local charities. Stuart estimates he attends events most weekends in the summer, often donating his time to support local fundraising.
“Charities will ask if I can provide a circus drop-in zone to help with their events. If it’s a good cause, I’ll do it for free because it makes such a difference. The circus adds colour, energy and laughter.”
He recalls a recent event at St Nicholas Fields Environmental Sustainability Centre.
“It’s a beautiful space, transformed from an old waste tip into a nature reserve. At their autumn fair, I ran a free circus zone - and people said it just lifted the whole afternoon. It turned a few stalls into a festival atmosphere. That’s what it’s all about.”
Corporate and private events, such as team-building workshops and parties, help subsidise these community sessions.
“Businesses pay for their events and that allows me to offer reduced or free sessions to schools and charities. Any profit I make goes straight back into providing more for the community.”
Measuring Impact
As a one-person social enterprise, Stuart admits measuring impact can be a challenge.
“If I was a big organisation, I’d be collecting data and producing analytics, but that’s not what drives me,” he says. “For me, it’s about the smiles, the feedback and the number of schools and people I reach each year.
“Just yesterday I got a message from a parent saying their daughter used to be really shy, but now she’s full of confidence because of the circus club. That means the world.
“So, bringing joy and self-confidence are important outcomes for me – as well as helping build stronger communities.”
He’s also seeing growing demand for inclusive and family sessions.
“One school asked if we could start a family circus club once a month so parents and children can join in together. That’s exactly the kind of community connection I love to see.”
Building a Stronger York
Stuart’s work extends into York’s refugee community too, through collaborations with Refugee Action York and City of York Sanctuary.
“I run workshops once a term for refugees and asylum seekers - people from Ukraine, Afghanistan and beyond. It helps them connect, laugh and feel part of something.”
He’s also exploring ways to bring circus to people in recovery from major illness. “I want to start a post-cancer support group - a fun, light-hearted activity for people rebuilding their confidence after treatment. Laughter really is a great healer.”
In addition, he volunteers weekly at York Hospital and supports York Vineyard Church’s foodbank work. “It all links together,” he says. “It’s about community, connection and kindness.”
Collaboration and Challenges
Like many small social enterprises, Circus Skills York faces the challenge of sustainability and scale.
“Being a single-director CIC limits the grants I can apply for,” Stuart explains. “If I could bring in two more directors, I could access more funding, but that also means giving up some control. It’s a balance.”
He credits networks such as the York Social Enterprise Coalition (YSEC) for helping to reduce the sense of isolation many social entrepreneurs feel.
“YSEC is brilliant. It gives all of us a voice, helps us share ideas and tell the council what we need. It’s nice to know you’re not on your own.”
Looking Ahead
Stuart hopes to grow Circus Skills over the next few years, possibly taking on a small team and securing a venue of his own.
“Having premises would open up so many opportunities - after-school clubs, evening classes - but of course it comes with costs. For now, I go wherever people need me.”
Ultimately, his definition of success is simple. “It’s not about profit. It’s about helping people grow, building communities and being one of those bits of glue that holds society together. If I can do that and earn a modest living, that’s success to me.”
And his advice for anyone considering starting a social enterprise? “It’s hard work but much more rewarding than working for profit. Volunteer first, learn from others and surround yourself with supportive people. We’re not meant to do things in isolation.”