Clean Break Theatre Company provides a free, women-only programme of education and training for those who have been through the criminal justice and/or mental health systems, writes Martha Oakes.
The courses are built around an arts methodology which uses drama and the performing arts to develop communication skills, self-confidence and self-esteem. A number of the courses are nationally accredited and many include basic and key skills and IT. All courses aim to support each woman?s transition to a more sustainable way of life. A comprehensive student support service is also offered alongside the courses, which identifies learning needs including dyslexia, covers housing and welfare needs, and offers support and advice for future career and education paths.
This spring the company received funding from the London Borough of Camden for a 17-month project which aims to find out what stops women with mental ill-health from benefiting from these courses. The company wants to improve access to its services for these women and to increase numbers of women students with a mental health background, and is collaborating with Mind in Camden to increase access to women in the borough who have a mental health diagnosis. Initially, Jo Monks, the new Mental Health Project Manager, will be talking to both current and former Clean Break students to find out what problems they have faced with their mental health and to ask what support these women feel they need. It is then looking to improve its practice in this area and will develop formal support structures arising from the results of the research. Another aim of the project is to invite women who attend Mind?s weekly women-only days to attend the courses, and two former students, both with a history of mental ill-health, are being trained in the necessary skills to talk to women about which Clean Break course they might be interested in. Initially taster courses will be held at Mind?s premises, to be followed by open days at Clean Break?s purpose-built studios off the Kentish Town Road in North London. The company offers a range of courses which could be available for these women, including Acting for Life, Basic Skills and Anger Management through Drama.
The resulting report will be shared with others working in the arts and criminal justice/mental health fields through connections to local and national organisations. Meanwhile, Mind, as a nationwide charity, will be able to distribute the report throughout its organisation.
Martha Oakes is a freelance marketing and PR consultant specialising in the arts.
t: 020 8854 5460; e: moakespr@aol.com