Project title
Description of initiative
Odd Arts specialise in delivering work around mental health, as well as the wider health sector. They work in partnership with Mental Health Services, GPs, Clinical Commissioning Groups and Hospitals using theatre to improve mental health and well-being and to reduce conflict and inequalities. One of their project is the award winning interactive forum theatre workshop A Spiralling Mind. This particular performance focuses on mental health, anxiety, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, self-harm and the negative effects of social media. The workshop involves interactive debate and discussion exercises and engagement with the actors in performance in order to search for solutions. There is a post-performance discussion to explore triggers, warning signs and vulnerabilities and signposting to available support services.
Further information on the initiative
Themes: Culture and...
Keywords
Target group
Cultural field
Timeframe
Results, benefits, impact and lessons learnt
This programme of work was initially commissioned by Salford NHSCCG and has been successfully delivered at 21 High Schools in Salford, to 7,000+ participants over 4 years. The work has been supported and guided by 42nd street mental health charity and was awarded ‘Best Engagement’ at Association of Healthcare Communications and Marketing Awards 2017 and 2018.
100% of teachers and 97% of young people rated the workshop good or excellent.
88% of young people said that as a result of the workshop, they knew how to get help and support if they were experiencing a mental health issue.
75% said they felt school lessons was a good way to get the message across and discuss this sensitive issue.