"A space to be ourselves". 12 x weekly in-person drama sessions at The Gregson Centre, Lancaster. Also 12 x weekly online drama sessions. Workshops are specially designed for people who identify as introverted, quiet, anxious and socially phobic. The sessions are relaxed, welcoming and encouraging with the following principles: Whoever turns up are the right people.; Whenever you turn up is the right time; Only positive feedback; Join in where you want to; Being positive audience is important too. I have developed these workshops with lots of feedback from previous participants and based in my own experience of anxiety. I am trained as an actor and adapt techniques from acting for use in every day life. There will be no pressure and lots of laughing. Feedback from previous workshops: "It became the highlight of my week" "I realised there are others just like me" "It has reawakened my self-confidence and self-esteem". "Inclusive, accepting, warm, insightful, encouraging, fun".

What we'll deliver:

• 12 x weekly free in-person drama workshops
• 12 x weekly free online drama workshops

Why it's a great idea:

Being part of a creative group activity is beneficial for wellbeing and mental health. There is a sense of belonging, acceptance, social connection. These Drama Workshops offer an opportunity to step outside worries for a while, providing the chance to explore different versions of ourselves. Drama also uniquely provides the roles of actor and audience which gives us a choice of how to engage with the sessions allowing us to look after our own needs, to be our own expert in terms of our emotions, energy, and anxiety levels. Participants can turn up and leave whenever is right for them; take a break if they need to; be present but not speak; be in the online session with camera and mic both off if needed. This means that the specially designed sessions are accessible to people who may otherwise be unable to join groups, be around people, or contribute to a creative project. Previous participants have reported significant benefits to self esteem, confidence, mood, and reduced anxiety.

Steps to get it done:

• Creating advertising for social media, posters and flyers.
• Book in-person and online workshop dates beginning in September 2023
• Be available to contact by anyone wanting to ask about the workshops.

My drama workshops have been developed in association with Status Employment, (https://www.statusemployment.org.uk/current-and-past-projects/) and above all with input from all the participants who range from quiet and introverts through anxious to socially phobic. I have developed and facilitated versions of these Drama Workshops for over 10 years continually revising according to participants feedback and our shared experience. https://www.statusemployment.org.uk/current-and-past-projects/ Some of the comments over the years: "Supportive, non judgmental, fun". "Uplifting, grounding, refreshing, encouraging, strengthening". "The no pressure environment is really important, you aren't obligated to do anything...you are welcomed whatever". "The drama was such a joy". “It is a space to be ourselves, it’s supportive, as it allows me to be where I am" I have loved working with everyone who has turned up over the years and look forward to meeting many more people.