Mental health education programmes: Role of theatre

Abstract

Aims and method: To pilot and evaluate an innovative theatre and mental health education programme, designed to increase awareness and understanding of self-harm in adolescents and improve awareness of avenues of help. Working in collaboration with the Myrtle Theatre Company a play on the theme of self-harm in adolescence was commissioned, and was shown to staff from Bristol secondary schools. Workshops were held following the performance of the play. Results: Participants completed evaluation questionnaires before (n=20) and after (n=15) the play. The responses indicated an increase in understanding of self-harm and confidence to discuss the related issues. Ideas about developing the programme in schools were proposed. Clinical implications: A combination of theatre and workshops can be a non-confrontational yet powerful tool to engage an audience in a meaningful way to think about difficult emotional issues, including self-harm.