We promote the well-being of people of all ages across Sussex affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus, enabling them to lead the lives they want to. We are thrilled to have been granted £2,500 by the Pixel Foundation, to offer a drama and music workshop in the autumn of 2020 to twenty-five young people with these complex disabilities.
Spina bifida and hydrocephalus substantially limit independence, mobility and choice, reduce motivation, increase the likelihood of obesity and ill health, cause learning disabilities and lead to social isolation, anxiety, distress and depression. The conditions commonly engender a deep sense of rejection. Those affected can suffer extreme social isolation and are often unable to make and maintain friends, adversely affecting their mental health & self-confidence.
The Bourne Free Drama and Music Workshop will give twenty-five young people with complex disabilities the opportunity to improve their confidence and well-being through active participation in the arts in a supportive learning group. Music and drama have proven highly successful in delivering huge benefits in well-being, enabling people to do things they never imagined they could.
Over four, full days, the young people will work together, with a professional drama company and musicians, to choose and develop a dramatic theme which reflects their interests and/or concerns. They will construct a story, create dialogue and drama, choreography, and special musical effects. This will culminate on the final evening, in a production performed before an invited audience of around 100 people.
Key objectives are to:
• Develop self-confidence, self-awareness and emotional well-being
• Uncover latent creative skills and broaden the range of experiences for this vulnerable group
• Develop friendships and reduce isolation and feelings of rejection
• Have fun developing team, social and artistic skills
Previous participants have said:
“SASBAH is a big part of my life. Without them I would just be sat at home on my own with nothing to do. I’ve made friends here and we have good times together”.
“I wasn’t sure I wanted to do it. But it was really great – we didn’t want it to stop!”
On behalf of Sussex Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus