Rainbow redemption: mental health takes centre stage

Abstract

PurposeThis article seeks to share and celebrate the experience of using drama to demystify and destigmatise mental illness.Design/methodology/approachThe article provides a descriptive account of a drama project from the perspectives of participants and the author. The innovative use of drama to promote mental wellbeing, the diverse partnerships that underpinned the production, and the positive impact on performers and audience are outlined.FindingsDrama can be an effective way of increasing mental health awareness. It can also be an enjoyable way of getting across the message that even those who lack mental wellbeing have dreams and can achieve them.Practical implicationsKey to success was good joint working between a range of health, social care and community agencies, as well as local service users. Financial resources for putting on the production provided by the local mental health trust were also crucial.Social implicationsThe drama promoted mental health and thereby potentially helped to reduce stigma and ill‐health. The partnership process involving diverse participants including mental health service providers, service users and people with different ethnic backgrounds was itself beneficial.Originality/valueThe article illustrates that the production was innovative in its broad partnership and use of drama to get its message across to mixed audiences.