Mindful Drama Lancaster

Volunteering, jobs & education

Mindful Drama ran 24 workshops covering various Improvisation and acting skills which had crossover applications and impact in people's lives. The workshops also raised confidence, self esteem, mood and reduced isolation. Feedback from participants: "The Mindful Drama workshops were always interesting, each week learning new techniques." "I especially enjoyed the work we did on body language and how we could use that in our everyday lives". I am incredibly grateful to Catherine and the workshops, they were incredibly helpful especially at a time were I was feeling isolated. " "Last month I was invited to take part on a panel after a film screening in a busy Theatre and I am certain I would not have even considered saying yes to such a thing before, but I did, and it went well." "We don't feel so alone when we know others relate to us about things eg. lack of confidence." "I always left feeling good about myself". "This is the highlight of my week" "My confidence and self esteem have improved" "I am finding I cope better in social situations" "Practising difficult scenarios here helps in the real world, even at work"

Arts, culture & heritage

Mindful Drama created an accessible environment encouraging participants who would not normally engage with group activities or creative workshops. Feedback from Participants: "It felt like a safe space" "Catherine was very engaging and incredibly welcoming" "I feel it is a place where people listen without judgement" "It leaves me feeling positive and encouraged" "The workshops are encouraging and supportive, and we encourage and support eachother: something we don't always find in some areas of life" "I wasn't doing many creative things before" "Everyone felt valued for who they were."

Activity, health and leisure

The Mindful Drama Project was successful in reducing barriers to engagement. Participants felt they recognised themselves in the invitation/advertising call out and felt welcomed, comfortable, and accepted during the sessions. They found the ethos and principles encouraging and facilitating, allowing them to take part in the way that worked best for them individually. Out of 30 people 27 came to most sessions, and have said they would like the project to continue. Feedback from participants: "I would not normally attend an acting group" "I have wanted to do something like this for years but always felt I wouldn't fit in" "I am usually too anxious to go to group activities" " I was hoping the workshops would help me get some confidence especially with regards to being around new people, they turned out to be fun!" "I would consider going to other creative activities after doing this".