The project was a 4-day workshop running from 25-28 October 2022 (inclusive) where 24 young people with physical and learning disabilities attended. It included both drama and music, and forms part of Sasbah’s programme for young people which has been highly successful in delivering huge developmental benefits for those participating, for many showing that they can do things they never imagined. The project was challenging, and comprised 4 full days developing a dramatic theme, which this year was based around ‘Breaking the Lockdown Blues’, reflecting interests and/or concerns they had. It was constructed from scratch the storyline, creation of dialogue and drama, choreography, and special musical effects; and culminated in a 30-minute production on the last evening in front of an invited audience of around 80 people, the whole week involved much emotion and much learning. Many of the participants were directly involved in the show but some were just involved in the lighting and , music and special affects but all attended the whole workshop.
The project employed a professional drama production company, including a writer-in-residence to help create the final performance piece, and a professional musician experienced in working with people with disabilities. All three parties have worked very successfully with Sasbah in past years. Most of the young people were associated with Sasbah’s “Bourne Free” Social Club, a 50-member club for young people with a range of disabilities in Eastbourne, East Sussex.
The project has been reviewed and thoroughly and has met all the requirements of Sasbah trustee’s. We have agreed to run a further workshop in 2023, so the search for further funding will continue. The service users at Sasbah were consulted with before planning a further workshop and since making the announcement there is a waiting list for the 2023 workshop but people will be selected in a fair way with those who have not had the experience before being given the places first. It has also been concluded that we might need to involve higher numbers or to make it a bi-annual event.