search our site

powered by Atomz.com

Emotional Health Film

We worked with young people at Ynysawdre School and in the school holidays during the summer of 2008 creating a DVD resource around emotional health. This project used drama and film as tools to creatively explore many issues with the group including loss, friendship, family, emotions, relationships and coping strategies. The aim of the project was to create a resource made by young people for use in schools, to facilitate and stimulate dialogue and understanding. This project was funded by Cymorth and we worked in partnership with the Local Health Board.

We talked with the group about their film and what they thought about it:

"Over the last few weeks, we in Back2Back have all been working incredibly hard on a project which is based on emotions and expression. The first part of the project consisted of interviewing a handful of people on certain topics such as anger, stress, family and friends, sadness, suicide and so on. After the interviews we formed multiple groups and within them had to create different pieces of drama based around chosen subjects. These consisted of friendship and family, stress and self-harm. Many of the drama pieces created were filmed. The reason for this is because it will be used as a resource for schools, to give advice to pupils and teachers. This can be used in Life Skills or P.S.E lessons.

We have been to Valley and Vale Community Arts at the beginning of the summer to continue with the film; we also worked on creating music for the film which we have all eagerly volunteered to do, and we have also been adding more scenes which could possibly go into the film".
Rhia

What do you think of the film so far?

I think the video is good. It is hard hitting and confronts everyday reality.

I think we are making good progress and it looks very good. I think it will be very effective on teens.

I think it's coming along really well; everyone is putting in a lot of effort and enjoying taking part.

It's a good film. It explains where people can seek help when they are in trouble or simply need someone to talk to.

I think it's going very well. Everyone is trying their best to make it interesting and helpful.

What do you think of when you hear the words 'Emotional Expression'?

I think of crying, being happy and showing how you feel openly.

Things like stress, bereavement and the basic everyday emotions.

Well, I think of people shouting, showing other people how they feel in many different ways.

Children abused and bullied.

Everything, being happy, sad, angry, and crying etc. You smile when you're happy and cry when you’re sad - showing how you feel; not bottling things up and being more open about yourself and how you feel is very important.

Do you think this film will affect people's points of view, and if so, how?

Yes. It shows people different ways of coping with their emotions and will show them where they can get help and the support they need.

Yes I do. Because we have taken everyday situations and then acted them using drama to help express the importance of our actions.

Yes I do because other young people can see the different storylines and if it adapts to them, then hopefully they will be happy to use the information and help they see in the film.

I think it will, because it is realistic and will make people think and consider what is happening in the world and if they have been in similar circumstances.

Yes, because I think it is proving to people in the world what will happen if these matters aren't addressed.

 

Tondu Primary School Eco Day

Our Drama and Visual Arts department took part in Tondu Primary School's Eco Day. The school was been awarded a Green Flag for their Environmental policies within the school. The Eco Day was filled with lots of activities for the pupils, including our workshops where the pupils created characters in the forest, painted rainbow murals and learnt about the environment through creativity.

On the day, Year 6 also performed their drama piece 'Fairytales in the Forest', which they worked on with our Drama Development Worker Alyson Evans. This drama was based on well-known fairytales but adapted to the modern day with their own twists. The play was due to take place outside in the forest, but with the rain we were forced inside on the day. The play was still a success though.

 

Tondu Primary School

Work continued throughout this year at Tondu Primary School. The workshops focussed on arguments and conflicts, exploring the concept that there are 2 sides to every story. Methods such as improvisation, mime and image were used to develop drama skills and link with the pupils' English studies.

 

Ogmore Vale Primary School

The project will started with a day long session with two classes, who then come together at the end of the day to perform for each other. It was a lot to get done in one day, but the pupils will rise to the occasion!

Building on this, workshops took place every week to develop and build confidence and promote working together.

 

The Art Of Inclusion

This was our Drama Development project in the Bridgend area, working with young people and exploring a range of youth and health issues through drama and dialogue. The project was funded by Cymorth and we worked in partnership with our Local Health Board.

In the first month of the project kick-starting back after the summer, workshops after school began in Ynysawdre and Cynffig Comprehensive Schools working with young people on issues around health. These workshops looked at relationships and fitting in, giving the young people a chance to voice their opinions and experiences through different styles of drama.

Once these issues were explored the groups created a performance which was performed in front of their school and the wider community. Alison O'Connor worked on anger management at Ogmore Comprehensive School with a group of young people, with workshops exploring building relationships, team work and dealing with anger.

We also worked in partnership with Bridgend Youth Offending Team in this project, working with Karen Francis in full day workshops in local schools and facilitating self-esteem workshops. These sessions focussed on building confidence and aimed to create a safe environment where the young people shared their experiences to create a piece of Forum Theatre. These issues were then explored through the forum, with the group working together to find solutions.