Outreach
The affect drama and the arts can have on the individual is amazing. This has been proven to us through experience; whilst running Odyssey Theatre (our inclusive drama group for adults with and without learning disabilities). Whether the outcome is one of building confidence, learning to work as part of a team, trusting others, listening, improving speech, controlling impulses or just in a person's general well being, the experience has been universally positive for all involved.
It was with this in mind that Hijinx's Outreach strand was created; to give community groups and adults with a learning disability the opportunity to set up and benefit from artistic projects in their own locality.
We do this by setting up projects in partnership with local organizations or groups. For example some of the groups and organizations we have worked with in the past are Cardiff People First, All Wales People First, The British Council, St David's Hall Arts Active and Rhondda Cynon Taff Day Services.
A project might mean a series of sessions on a theme, possibly leading towards a small performance or filmed as a documentary or short film. The sessions could include music, dance or visual arts as well as drama. Sessions could look at specific themes perhaps employment, assertiveness, healthy eating or be totally based on the life and experience of the participants - the choice is yours!
Drama workshops for adults with a learning disability
Drama and the arts are a powerful way of working with a group of adults with a learning disability to develope social and communication skills, self advocacy and empowerment. The focus of each session could be on a variety of skills including:
- Team Building
- Communication
- Memory
- Concentration
- Listening
- Trust
- Voice
- Linked to a theme / topic e.g. employment
Our Aims:
- To offer opportunities for the communities of South Wales to be involved in the arts.
- To provide leisure and educational activities that match the participant's person centred planning objectives.
Workshop Objectives:
- To improve personal self-esteem
- To promote speaking and listening skills by responding and negotiating with others.
Drama workshops for Carers
Drama workshops for carers can be used in two different ways:
- Fun workshops to enable carers to meet each other and interact through drama; these workshops could be used for pampering days or as a celebration of being a carer.
- Training workshops for carers who care for an adult with a learning disability, who may want to use drama skills in their own work with their clients.
"It has taken a big boulder from my shoulders and made my life and caring life easier"
"I was feeling really down prior to the workshop. We laughed so much during the day - it was truly therapeutic".
Workshop assistants
Our workshop assistants are actors with learning disabilities from Odyssey Theatre. They have been trained to lead exercises, demonstrate exercises and lead small groups in improvistation. They also act as an inspiration for their peers and bring with them years of experience from working with Odyssey and also offer a tangible route to employment and improve the inclusive nature of our work. Ideally all our outreach projects now include at least one workshop assistant with a learning disability.
Our Outreach work by nature is one of flexibility and is entirely dependant on the needs of the host organization.
If you are an organization or group and you have an idea for a project which you would like Hijinx to work with you on then please contact our Outreach Officer ~ Ben Pettitt-Wade on 029 2030 0331 or via email: ben.pettitt-wade@hijinx.org.uk
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ )
Outreach Workshops News Stories
Productions
Current Productions 2008
Future Productions 2009
Past Productions 2008
e: info@hijinx.org.uk
t: 029 2030 0331 or 2063 5620