Odd Arts

Odd Arts specialise in delivering work around mental health, as well as the wider health sector. We work in partnership with Mental Health Services, GPs, Clinical Commissioning Groups and Hospitals using theatre to improve mental health and wellbeing and to reduce conflict and inequalities. One of their project is BROAD - Building Resilience and Overcoming Adversity through Dance & Drama. This programme is an innovative, evidence based theatre programme that is designed to increase resilience & well-being in people in custody, secure settings and hospitals / mental health units. It is a ground-breaking programme culminating physical theatre, drama, dance & psychology. BROAD has been co-designed by Company Chameleon and Odd Arts and is being evaluated by UCLAN Psychosocial Research Unit adding to the national evidence base of the impact of arts in criminal justice or secure settings. The pilot was funded by the Arts Council England.

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.

Odd Arts specialise in delivering work around mental health, as well as the wider health sector. We work in partnership with Mental Health Services, GPs, Clinical Commissioning Groups and Hospitals using theatre to improve mental health and wellbeing and to reduce conflict and inequalities. One of their project is Wellbeing Theatre Programme – for mental health service users and people vulnerable to poor mental health. They work with the participants to devise theatre from their own experiences. This is developed by involving them in games, discussion, role-play, mime and image theatre. The workshops enable them to explore their feelings and experiences and the challenges or ‘oppressions’ they face. They explore alternative solutions to problems and barriers through role-play and discussion and support people to reflect on their own personal challenges in a safe way. All our projects culminate in a performance back to staff, peers and/or family members. Throughout their paid courses they accredit participants with ASDAN awards in relevant life skills such as Independent living, Leadership and Expressive Arts.