Play - Silent Approach

Volunteering, jobs & education

The project provided jobs for volunteers at the performances. It was extremely educational around mental health and younger people attended from a youth zone in Preston. They stated that they learnt so much from the play and that it was good to be able to watch a true story on stage. They even commented that this type of leaning was far more educational than anything they have ever experienced.

Arts, culture & heritage

Our project, "Silent Approach," embraced the power of storytelling for enhancing arts, culture, and heritage within our community. By focusing on the true story, we fostered a deeper understanding of diverse cultural narratives, making them accessible to a wide audience. This project not only educated participants about the rich tapestry of our shared history of this story but also promoted the theatrical arts by presenting these narratives in an engaging and thought-provoking way. Through storytelling, we allowed for real-life experiences to be captured and shared, encouraging dialogue, reflection, and appreciation of the story. We enhanced community connections and celebrated the transformative power of the arts through the post discussions involving participants in the audience.

Activity, health and leisure

The play centred on real-life experiences related to mental health, emphasising that mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of background or circumstances. By showcasing stories of recovery, the play instilled hope and encouraged audience members to recognise that recovery is possible. The performance aimed to educate the audience about the signs and symptoms of mental health deterioration, making it easier for individuals to recognise these issues in themselves or others. It promoted the importance of treating individuals suffering from mental health issues with respect and compassion, fostering a more supportive environment. The inclusion of a post-show discussion featuring a guest with lived experience and representatives from mental health organisations provided an avenue for dialogue. This allowed audience members to ask questions, enhancing understanding and providing clarity on various topics related to mental health. The event offered insights into local mental health resources, encouraging participants to seek help and reinforcing the notion that they are not alone in their struggles. Engaging the audience through questions allowed for a deeper exploration of mental health topics, clarifying misconceptions and sharing valuable information. The play served not only as a performance but also as an educational experience about mental health, aiming to reduce stigma, encourage dialogue, and promote awareness in the community. In summary, the project provided a comprehensive approach to mental health education through theatre by leveraging personal narratives, fostering community discussions, and offering valuable resources. It played a crucial role in promoting understanding, respect, and support for individuals facing mental health challenges.