Contents
Introduction…………………………………………….............. 2
Background Information (Open Clasp Theatre Company).... 2
Aims of ‘Mind the Gap’ and ‘Tonic’…………………………… 3
Methodology…………………………………………………….
5
Project overview…………….................................................
9
Findings………………………………………………………….. 15
Who we reached………………………………………………… 15
Impact…………………………………………………………….. 17
Obstacles and possible solutions identified by the project… 24
Achievements…………………………………………………… 28
Conclusion………………………………………………………. 29
Funders…………………………………………………………… 31
Thank yous and Contact details……………………………….. 31
Appendix – comments relating to the project………………..... 32
Open Clasp Theatre Company “Mind the Gap” – The Report
INTRODUCTION
“It helped me to speak. I want to speak”
This is a report on “Mind the Gap”, a project run by Open Clasp Theatre
Company, a charity which works to improve the lives of women and young
women in the North East of England using drama and theatre. The project,
which culminated in the smash hit play “Tonic”, examined women’s attitudes
and experiences relating to mental health and wellbeing and the factors that
affect it. “Mind the Gap” and “Tonic” provided an eye opening look into the
experiences, views and opinions of over 100 women in our region who are
often considered ‘hard to reach’. They are marginalised women; women who
face discrimination on a regular basis; women who have had varying positive
and negative experiences relating to their mental health.
This report will give you a glimpse into the lives of the women worked with,
explain our methodology and provide an overview of the information gathered
during the project. The feedback we received during and following the project
from participants, audience members and youth/ community/ health
professionals is also outlined in the ‘findings’ section. We hope that you find
the information in the report useful and that you are able to take on board the
messages coming from real women in our region with the aim of positive
change.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Open Clasp Theatre Company is the North East's only professional women's
theatre company, with a proven track record since being formed in 1998.
Working as a catalyst in partnership with other community groups we run
issue based drama workshops with women and girls’ groups and create
theatre which is taken to community and mainstream venues across the
region.
‘How do you do it? So many links to so many women’s experience. Thank
you’ Audience member, “Tonic”
The basis for all of our work is the knowledge that drama and theatre instantly
engages participants and can be used as a tool to empower, increasing selfesteem and confidence. This in turn can lead to personal development and
growth, and to positive change for those taking part. Open Clasp’s
performances and workshops are carried out on an outreach basis with the
vast majority of them taking place at venues and locations where professional
theatre is not ordinarily available. Participants are able to examine and share
experiences through drama in a safe way (i.e. through a character) whilst
being supported by their regular workers and Open Clasp’s workers. The
theatre created by the company reflects these experiences, giving participants
a powerful voice relating to the issues important to them within the context of
entertaining, accessible plays which can reach large numbers of people. It is
clear from the participants’ feedback the company receives that our drama
workshops consistently have a transformational effect on those who take part.
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AIMS
1) Why we carried out this work
In 2004, Open Clasp consulted with groups worked with since the company
was set up in 1998 in order to find out what issues women wanted us to look
at when planning future projects. This exercise took into account the views of
not only the women directly worked with but also the community workers
working with the groups and representatives from regeneration agencies.
It became clear from this consultation process that mental ill health, and the
issues that create and compound it, were a major concern for participants.
The message coming from workers was that something needed to be done to
engage these communities in order to raise awareness around mental health
and to reduce the stigmatisation and stereotyping which surrounds mental ill
health. Open Clasp are passionate about drama and theatre as a way of
reaching people not only to entertain them, but to inform and empower them
to achieve positive personal and social change. It was with this in mind that
Open Clasp implemented “Mind the Gap”, a project that would allow women
to explore mental health, their chosen subject, in one of the most accessible
and fun ways possible.
“I was stuck. If it hadn’t been for Open Clasp I would still be at the start of
that line (referring to the bridge built in workshops to allow characters to
gain help from various sources to improve their situation. This flags up to
participants which actions they can take to get help)”
In addition to being chosen as a hot topic by the groups and workers there are
also other factors which highlighted the importance of increasing the amount
of work carried out to raise awareness around mental health and wellbeing.
Improving mental health promotion is a target on the NHS’s Local Delivery
plan, 2005 – 2008 and research such as “Women’s mental health into the
mainstream” also highlight the importance and urgency relating to general and
gender specific improvements to mental health services.
Women in areas of social and economic deprivation are at a higher risk of
exposure to contributory factors of mental ill health and therefore have a
greater chance of developing problems with their mental health1. There is a
higher proportion of deprived wards in the north east of England than
anywhere else in the country2, indicating that a large number of women in this
region have low awareness of mental health issues despite the fact that they
are susceptible to factors that can lead to mental ill health. Women are also at
higher risk of social isolation and poverty and child sexual abuse, domestic
violence and sexual violence more commonly affect women.3 These are just
some of the factors which necessitate more gender specific services.
With 1 in 4 people experiencing some kind of mental health problem in the
course of a year4 and women being twice as likely to experience anxiety as
men (of people with phobias of obsessive compulsive disorders, 60% are
1
From Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion, 2003, Palmer, North, Carr and Kenway
From The index of Multiple Deprivation ward averages, 2004
3 Women’s Mental Health: Into the Mainstream, Department of Health
4 The Office for National statistics, 2001
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female)5, the need for more work to be done around mental health both by
health and statutory services and voluntary organisations seems clear.
Discussion of the need for this project also went ahead with relevant
professionals including Locality Development & Gender/ Women’s health lead
for the National Institute of Mental Health in England (North East, Yorkshire
and Humber regions) and Youth Networks Co-ordinator for Newcastle,
Northumberland and North Tyneside Mental Health Trust (delivering
psychological and educational interventions in schools) as well as workers
from the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service.
2) What we set out to do
Drama workshops…
Through a series of drama workshops the company aimed to gain insight into
around 100 women’s experiences and opinions relating to the topic of mental
health and wellbeing and mental ill health and its contributory factors. The
methodology we use in our workshops is outlined in the next section. We
intended to support and empower some of the region’s most disadvantaged
communities and give them an opportunity to express their concerns/ views
with regards to Mental Health and contributory factors.
Awareness raising professional Theatre
Open Clasp aimed to produce an entertaining, high quality piece of
professional theatre in its own right which would be as popular as previous
productions which include “Falling Knives & Runaround Wives”. Through the
play, we aimed to give a unique voice to the women who took part in our
workshops during phase one of the project and their experiences. We hoped
to reach audiences of around 3500 people, many of whom do not ordinarily
access theatre as an art form, and to challenge audiences, encouraging them
to think about and question their own views, opinions and preconceived ideas,
gain new insight into the experiences of others and the inequalities that need
to be addressed and can see that we all have a role in doing this. We aimed
to perform over 60% of performances to women only audiences and for over
80% of performances and 100% of workshops to take place in community
venues.
Post-show workshops
We wanted to accompany many of the performances with post-show drama
workshops designed to encourage audience members to examine the issues
covered in the show.
During this report we will examine how well the project has met these aims
and look at the impact the play and workshops have had on women in the
North East of England.
5
The Office for National Statistics, 2001
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METHODOLOGY
This section outlines the unique method of work that Open Clasp applies to
our projects. There are 2 main parts to this method, devising workshops and a
theatrical production (informed by the devising workshops and followed by
post-show workshops to further explore the issues raised):
Phase 1 – Devising workshops
The devising workshops use drama to break down barriers and relax and
engage participants so that they can safely access and examine difficult
issues. Workshops are carried out with existing women and girls’ groups to
allow safety and ensure that the groups are supported in the long term as well
as throughout the projects by their own, trusted community/ youth or mental
health workers.
The sessions help develop the empathic skills of participants as well as
equipping them with skills relating to problem solving and assertiveness.
Human rights education also comes as an important part of the package. The
control of the workshops remains with the participants at all times. Whilst
Open Clasp facilitators give participants a focus (in this case, mental health
and wellbeing) and provide them with information on services available,
participants are valued as the real experts in the issues that they have
experienced.
Open Clasp’s role is to give women the time and tools to make their voices
heard, analyse their problems and work collectively on strategies for change.
This is very empowering for participants, raising confidence and self-esteem
and allowing discussion, debate and plans of action to promote personal and/
or social change. In practical terms, this happens through the creation of a
character within each group’s series of workshops. This process allows
participants to talk about (and address) negative experiences in the 3rd
person so that they are safe and do not have to disclose their own situations.
This model also provides an effective stimulus through which community/
youth workers and other group members can support individual participants to
move on and improve those situations.
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Below is a picture of a ‘role on the wall’ which begins the workshops – to start
with this is a blank character. The group name the character and give her
characteristics and experiences relating to their own characteristics and
experiences. They also consider questions they will examine and answer
about the character relating to her mental wellbeing during the series of
workshops.
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The groups continue to build on this through the series of workshops giving
the character a life story leading up to present day on a timeline, shown
below:
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Workshops then focus on significant events on the timeline in detail, building
on the depth and authenticity of their characters (this also serves the
invaluable purpose of allowing participants to explore issues that they
personally need or want to address in a productive way that does not put
them under any pressure).
The workshops conclude with a technique, which encourages groups to reflect
on the issues highlighted during the workshop process, identify gaps in
support and conclude on solutions (what is needed). This takes the form of a
‘bridge’ which allows the group to build their character a bridge of helpful
people/ actions/ services in order to improve the character’s situation and, in
this project, their mental health. Some examples of elements workshop
participants may suggest in the building of the bridge are well trained GPs,
self-help groups, supportive friends or even a more tolerant society which
doesn’t stigmatise.
Throughout the process, great care is taken by the experienced facilitators to
keep participants safe and protected and reduce any vulnerability they may
feel whilst addressing difficult issues by using dramatic techniques and games
to begin and end sessions with positivity.
Phase 2 – The play
Culminating our long-term projects with a touring professional play reflecting
and representing the experiences of women in our region is valuable in a
number of ways.
 Using the play we can reach large numbers of people at once. This bonds
audiences as well as initiating discussion, debate and action. An example
of this is the Gender specific Mental Health Steering group that is being set
up in Middlesbrough using Middlesbrough Social Services’ “Tonic”
performance as a springboard and to engage members.

Content/ plotlines are always focused on issues in the daily lives of women
in the North East which makes the theatre accessible, allowing audiences
to relate to the issues and characters. This quickly engages audience
members who can then begin to understand the issues they may not have
first hand experience of more easily than they would through traditional
information sharing.

I will not write at length about drama methodology and practitioners in this
report but it is important to mention that our Theatre is Brechtian in style.
This means that we work to ensure that our audiences are not passive
spectators on a dramatic experience, that they view the stage events
critically, question the plays events and review the options brought forward
in the performance, therefore enabling audiences to see the individual
within the wider context of society. In short, although they are being
entertained, informed and supported, audience members are deliberately
placed outside of their comfort zone to encourage them to address issues
which are ordinarily hidden and act where they may normally turn away.

The workshop participants who created the characters who appear in the
plays gain a huge sense of achievement when they watch the
performances as the shows are their creation and give a stage to their
collective voice. This ownership has a profoundly positive effect on
participants’ confidence and self-esteem.
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
The plays produced by Open Clasp are high quality, professional touring
plays so when a group hosts a performance they are provided with a set,
lights, music and professional performers. The plays also visit mainstream
venues selling out and getting rave reviews as theatrical productions in
their own right. It is an important part of the company’s ethos that all
performances, whether they are in community centres or theatres, are of
the same high quality.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
1)Groups worked with
 West Denton Association (Play & Youth Service)
 Throckley (Play & Youth Service)
 Lemington (Play & Youth Service)
 Galafields Youth Project
 Women 4 women (a social group for all women who are lesbian,
bisexual or unsure of their sexuality’)
 West End Women & Girls Centre – The Foundation Project
 West End Women & Girls Centre – Granny’s Group
 Bridge Education Centre (Chester-le-Street)
 WHIST (Women’s Health in South Tyneside)
 Hetton Learning Centre (Hetton le Hole)
 Smart Justice (women & young women from Sunderland)
These groups are made up of women and young women from rural and urban
communities between the ages of 13 and 60+yrs. Some participants had
experience of mental ill health and mental health services, some did not.
2)April – May 2005 – Taster Sessions
Open Clasp worked intensively with the groups above, plus a day’s
consultation in partnership with the Smart Justice Campaign. This report will
acknowledge the one off session facilitated but will focus on the ten main
groups worked with.
On three flip chart papers groups where asked to answer the following
questions concerning mental well being
 What do we need to ensure that we have healthy mental well being?
 What things damage it and how?
Outcome of Taster Sessions
%
Identified causes of damage to mental health
participants
87.5%
negative and abusive relationships (including domestic abuse,
child abuse and unsupportive partners in relation to parenting)
75 %
Stress and worry
Alcohol and drug abuse
62.5%
Bullying – including ridicule, persecution and criticism
Problems with the family i.e. divorce.
Low self esteem, lack of confidence and/or self worth
50%
Losing a job, or having one that you hate (concluding in a lack of
purpose)
Abuse (physical and sexual)
Lack of money
Bereavement
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Open Clasp Theatre Company “Mind the Gap” – The Report
37.5%
25%
12.5%
A physical trauma (this could be a life changing event out of your
control)
An unintended pregnancy
Post Natal Depression (being pregnant)
Being physically ill
Failure/rejection
Sleeplessness
Environmental – fear, burglary, poor housing, people in your
community, rats,
Harassment, vandalism.
Bereavement
Not dealing with things from your past
Being negative
Discrimination/stigma (including homophobia & Heterosexism)
Isolation & being lonely
Falling out with friends
Fear
Anger
Religion
Rape
Homelessness
Inappropriate television programs
Guilt because your not coping and you feel you should be
Having children
Being a single parent
Bad diet
Weather
Betrayal/trust
Negative intervention by professionals
Being disabled
Lack of control
Not fitting in (image/clothes/size)
3)September 2005 – March 2006 – Devising workshops
During these workshops, 127 women and young women spent approximately
96hrs in drama workshops. The sessions enabled women and girls to create
characters within their groups and then piece together their characters’ life
stories according to experiences of those in the group.
‘If it wasn’t for these workshops I probably wouldn’t have got out of bed –
They’ve kept me going.’
Characters created:
Organisation Age
Galafields
Youth Centre.
Newcastle.
West Denton.
Newcastle
Throckley rec
Newcastle
13-15yrs
13-18yrs
13-14yrs
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Character Main issues explored
Created
Tegan
Domestic Abuse and the impact on the
Aged 15yrs child. Self harm.
Zoe Aged
Domestic Abuse and the impact on the
15yrs
child. School response.
Amber
Bullying. Culture/gender, peer pressure
Aged 13yrs
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Lemington
youth centre
Newcastle
West end
Women &
Girls Centre.
Newcastle
W4W.
Newcastle
13-18yrs
Josie Aged
15yrs
Drug misuse, crime, child abuse, and
abusive relationships.
18-25yrs
Suzy 25yrs
The continued domestic abuse after she
has left violent partner.
18+
Eleanor
45yrs
Internal homophobia, bullying &
discrimination in schools.
Granny’s
Group
Newcastle
Hetton-le-hole
50+
Fran 60yrs
18+
Susan
40yrs
Domestic Abuse and the impact on
different generations. Having a voice.
Disability, poverty.
Domestic Abuse via mother and
partner, impact on the child. Mental ill
health and the impact on the child.
W.H.I.S.T
25+
Nina 48yrs
Bridge
(Chester-lestreet)
18yrs+
Sarah
35yrs
Working class, aspirations, poverty, not
having children & stigma attached.
Affairs and the impact and family.
Bereavement, alcohol abuse, affairs
and the impact on the family.
Confidence was gained through doing an activity that members wouldn’t
ordinarily do i.e. drama exercises, role-play, speaking and/or performing in
front of a group. The physical activity level of participants also increases
during a drama workshop.
“It was proper class. I loved the games and drama. It
has made us listen to each other better”.
Each group created an environment that enabled the individuals to trust in the
experience, they felt safe and treated each other with equality and respect.
Individuals learnt to give and receive support. Individuals felt safe enough to
take risks, helping each other to develop and grow.
“We have never done this before, I feel that we have grown and
trusted and bonded together in a very positive way.”
The devising workshops uncovered issues impacting on the mental health of
young women and women in Newcastle, plus rural communities. Time was
spent looking at the causes, what support is out there and what is needed.
(More about this is included in the ‘findings’ section.)
From the evidence gathered all the groups have gained knowledge on what
mental health is and what impacts on it and what is needed in order to prevent
and/or heal.
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4) April 2006 – September 2006 – “Tonic” created and scripted and taken
back to groups
During this time, Catrina McHugh took the characters created by the
participants in devising workshops and the knowledge and input she had
gained through her dialogue with professionals in the field of mental health
and research and drafted the first script of “Tonic”. In this process some of the
characters, with many commonalities of issues and similar experience, were
merged together resulting in 5 final characters who would appear in the play.
The original plan was to take the first draft of the script and perform it for the
participants at a showcase event in October 2006. This would have given the
groups an accurate idea of what the play would be like. They would then have
continued to work with Catrina and the cast and crew to make changes to the
script and action to ensure that “Tonic” represented their experiences and
views. Unfortunately, Open Clasp were unsuccessful in gaining funding for
this part of the project so the showcase was not possible. Due to the
budgetary constraints imposed by this the company, who place great
importance on the continued involvement of the women and young women,
carried out this section of the project in a different way. More workshops took
place during which Catrina McHugh presented monologues for the characters
to the groups, introducing them to their developed characters and the
characters created by other groups. During this process Catrina also went
through the storyline with the participants. Mental Health service users and
groups were also consulted about the characters and storyline at this stage.
“We could see what we had put into Nina (character) – her husband was Bill,
we named him, and it was good to see her come to life – I was beaming when
they first said her name.”
What issues were covered and why?
As already discussed, during the devising drama workshops the women and
young women worked with looked at mental wellbeing and mental ill health
and what main contributory factors they have experience of in great detail,
incorporating these issues and experiences into their characters. During the
scripting process, these issues then carried through, along with the characters
themselves, into the play’s storyline. In addition to this, post-show workshops
were designed to allow the audiences to further explore the main issues
following the play.
To show why the specific issues in the storyline of the play made it to the
stage, here is a breakdown of the feedback from initial phase one groups on
what they felt the main contributory factor of mental ill health is:
60% of women in groups cited Domestic Abuse as being the main
contributory factor to mental ill health
20% of women in the groups cited homophobia as being the main contributory
factor to mental ill health
10% of women in the groups cited childlessness as being the main
contributory factor to mental ill health
10% of women in the groups cited bereavement, parenting and childhood
neglect as being the main contributory factor to mental ill health.
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Catrina McHugh, playwright and Artistic Community Development Director of
Open Clasp Theatre company, undertook extensive research and training into
the main issues highlighted including attending training and consulting mental
health professionals and mental health service users throughout the process
to ensure that she represented the issues accurately in the play and
workshops.
During phase one of “Mind the Gap”, gaps in the mental health services were
identified from the point of view of the workshop participants (many of whom
had direct experience). These gaps are also represented in the play to help
audiences to see how women experiencing mental ill health or contributory
factors relate to the available services and the stigmas and stereotypes that
are imposed on them by society.
An example of this is that women stated that they had little confidence in
discussing issues relating to their mental health due to the stigma attached
and that this can be exacerbated by the apparent unapproachable nature of
some GPs. This is represented in the play as Suzy, a character who
experiences an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) reveals why she feels
unable to tell her GP what is happening to her – she suspects he will say it is
all in her head, that she is mad and then tell social services to put her children
into care. During the play, Nina, a friend of Suzy’s helps her to approach a
more understanding GP and offers support to help her to do this. One of the
post-show workshops then examines the scenario of Suzy’s visit to the
doctors in detail which proved to be a very useful tool for the health
professionals who attended it as well as women who were approaching the
workshop from Suzy’s perspective. This workshop also included a look at
Suzy’s experience at work – being discriminated against due to mental ill
health – another topic highlighted by the women in the phase one workshops.
Other workshops were created to look at bullying/ homophobic bullying,
domestic abuse and childhood sexual abuse, alcohol and drug use and
parenting in relation to mental wellbeing.
“Thank you for bringing to life the issues that people are either afraid or
embarrassed to talk about.”
5) September 2006 – January 2007 – production phase
During this time the script was worked on with groups, actors were cast, stage
crew, set designer and lighting designer recruited and contracted and
equipment planned and hired. The tour also required detailed planning and
coordination – 36 individual performances were planned with groups and host
venues, vehicles were hired, health and safety requirements put into place.
It was at this point that the University of Northumbria collaborated with us on
the play providing us with our visiting director, Fiona MacPherson (their
Programme Leader, BA(Hons)Performance), who has also directed all of
Open Clasp’s plays to date. The university also provided valuable help and
support with set materials, design and writing.
Rehearsals took place throughout January including further devising and
development of the script - during this process, Catrina McHugh, “Tonic”’s
writer, continued to speak to mental health service users and professionals
about the storyline/ characters/ issues in the play.
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At the end of January a preview evening was held for groups and
professionals involved in the creation of “Tonic”. Audience members were
asked for feedback so that any of the content of the play not seen to represent
the experience of the groups/ information given by professionals could be
addressed before the tour commenced. Feedback from the preview indicated
that those involved in its creation felt that the play represented the lived
experiences of women and girls in the North East relating to mental health
and wellbeing accurately as well as entertaining an audience.
‘Excellent performance highlighting issues face by many people every day –
well done!’
6) February and March 2007 – The Tour
In February 2007 “Tonic” hit the road with a cast and crew of 7 and a van full
of heavy set, sound and lighting equipment. The play toured regionally to
some of the North East’s most disadvantaged communities for 8 weeks, giving
women and young women an opportunity to express their concerns/ views
with regards to Mental Health and contributory factors (including domestic
violence and child abuse). Most of the 36 venues were community centres,
youth centres or schools. Performances also took place at the University of
Central Lancashire with the involvement of Comensis, a Preston mental
health service user group and the University of Northumbria.
“Didn’t think I’d enjoy it so much. I was afraid you were going to be very
“earnest” about yourselves. I was proved wrong!”
20 of the performances were also accompanied by post-show drama
workshops designed to encourage audience members to examine the issues
covered in the show using drama methodologies.
‘I was amazed by the subjects it covered and highlighted the good reasons for
early intervention’
7) Evaluation
As well as this report, Sue Hacking, Senior Research Fellow in Evidence
Based Practice the University of Central Lancashire will also be looking at
further evaluation of this project as part of the collaboration between Open
Clasp and the Universities (Northumbria and UCLAN) relating to mental
health.
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FINDINGS
Throughout the project we gathered information in the following ways:





At the end of each session the groups where invited to say what they
found positive or negative about each session facilitated. 200 comments
where recorded.
Evaluation questionnaires were sent out to groups following their
community performances and/ or workshops.
Comments Books were available to audience members and workshop
participants at every performance.
Case Study interviews took place with 7 women to track the differences
the project made to them from their feelings prior to starting the project ,
following the workshop stage and after seeing the performance and or a
post-show workshop. We will also speak to these women again in a few
months to see what they feel the long term impact has been on them.
Opportunities given to feedback to the company personally or by email/
post.
This section evaluates the project using the information participants and
audience members gave us.
1) Who did we reach?
Devising workshop participants
“Mind the Gap” phase one (2005 – 2006) reached over 127 women in groups
based in the North East of England. The groups contained older women,
young women, lesbians, women with experience of mental ill health, lone
parents, women with experience of domestic abuse, child abuse, alcohol and
drug misuse and crime.
Summary
Total (Phase One)
Total number of women and girls
Total number of young women
Total number of women 25+
Workshops
Total
127
59
68
52
Audience members and post-show workshop participants
During the “Tonic” tour, audience and workshop participant numbers,
background and gender were recorded wherever possible to enable us to see
how many people we reached with the tour and how many were women. For
instance, we know that around 25% of our audience members and 37% of
workshop participants were young women. Despite the fact that we had not
worked with any women from BME backgrounds on this play, women from
BME backgrounds were audience members at around 28% of our
performances and made up 9% of our workshop participants (a workshop was
devised to explore cultural differences around mental health).
The following summaries also show the ratio of mainstream performances to
community performances and the location of the communities we took our
theatre to. Groups were also sent evaluation questionnaires following their
performances in order for us to gain an idea of the backgrounds of their
members.
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Performances and workshops
Total
2333
451
2784
Audience members
Workshop Participants
Total
Venues
Community Venues
Mainstream Venues
Total Performances
Total
33
3
36
Percentage
92%
8%
100%
Total
20
16
36
Percentage
56%
44%
100%
Audiences
Women only performances
Mixed performances
Total Performances
Audience members
(excludes 1 mainstream performance with 410 audience
members)
Female audience members
Male audience members
Total
Percentage
Total
1747
176
1923
91%
9%
100%
The Community groups we performed to and an indication of their area are as follows:
Back on the Map
Surestart East & Fossway
Sunderland Voluntary Sector Youth Forum
The Linx Project
Riverside Community Health Project
University of Northumbria
Raby St Play and Youth Service
North Tyneside Youth Services
Newton Ayecliffe Youth Service
UCLAN mental health user group (Comensis)
Angelou Centre
Montague community facility
Queen Elizabeth School, Hexham*
Sandhill View School
Northumberland Women’s Network
West End Women and Girls Centre*
Women’s Health in South Tyneside
Bridge Project
Hetton Centre, Hetton-le-hole
Shiremoor Centre
White Swan
Whitley Bay CVS
Teams Community Centre
Surestart Ford Havelock
Lemington Centre (play and youth)
Chopwell Youth Club
Wansbeck Council Community Development
Middlesbrough teaching and learning centre
May, 2007 (updated Nov 2007)
NE6 4NU
SR3 4EW
TS8 9QW
NE4 8XS
NE1
NE6 2FF
NE28 8RH
DH5 4HX
NE4 5NR
NE5 3UT
NE46 3JB
SR3 4EN
NE66 1AX
NE4 6SQ
NE33 1TA
DH3 3AW
DH5 9NG
NE27 0HJ
NE12 6SS
NE26 1LZ
NE8 2PW
SR4 6HY
NE15 8DE
NE17 7HS
NE22 5TU
TS3 8PB
www.openclasp.org.uk
Hendon, Sunderland
Byker
Sunderland
Middlesbrough
Benwell, Newcastle
Newcastle
Byker, Newcastle
Wallsend
Co Durham
Preston
Fenham, Newcastle
Cowgate, Newcastle
Hexham
Sunderland
Alnwick
Elswick, Newcastle
South Tyneside
Chester-le-street
Sunderland
Newcastle
Killingworth
North Tyneside
Gateshead
Sunderland
West of Newcastle
Chopwell
Wansbeck
Middlesbrough
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*more
than one performance and/ or workshop
As is evident from the above table, our community performances and
workshops reached people from areas subject to some of the highest
levels of social and economic disadvantage in the North East.
2) What impact did we have?
Devising workshop participants
Verbal evaluation
Groups were asked to score the Open Clasp experience, marks out of 10
1 being bad and 10 being excellent.




85%
5%
10%
2.5%
gave the company 10+
gave 9 out of 10
gave 8 out of 10
gave 7½ out of 10
77% said that they had gained in confidence and/or self esteem.
When asked about the impact on the individual:
 50% stated that they had learned more about themselves and other
people’s experience.
“Really good to look at issues that relate to lesbians…we all come
from different backgrounds…but we’ve experienced similar things.
Things that are different…it’s good to hear them…its all part of our
community.”
When asked about what the groups thought society needed to learn about
(W4W)
mental ill health and/or any other issues
discussed in the workshops.



75% stated that there needs to be more understanding, awareness and
knowledge gained with regards to Mental Health, Domestic Abuse and
Bullying and its impact on young people.
Groups also stated that:
o Society needed to be challenged on discrimination.
o awareness needs to be raised with regards to the need for
services provided for women’s/young people, that funding
should be prioritised for this work.
o individuals experiencing hardship should be encouraged and
supported to feel better.
o professionals need to support survivors of domestic abuse.
The evaluation indicates that the sessions helped and encouraged
listening skills, teamwork, understanding and helped prevent feelings of
isolation, which can damage mental health.
I have learnt that …“What I say could make a difference and my
confidence has grown stronger and I have opened up more and I believe in
myself.”
May, 2007 (updated Nov 2007)
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
The evaluation suggests that the problem solving empowered both
groups and individuals. Using drama the groups where able to
examine situations and issues with the aim of solving problems. In
evaluation some participants indicated that they would then use these
skills and the knowledge gained to look at their own lived experiences.

Groups felt they had been given an opportunity to have a voice.

Participants enjoyed the experience in itself
“I thought it was good, and I don’t normally like drama, so if
I liked it, that’s saying something.”

Women used the experience to mark their own progress with Mental Ill
Health, seeing they have moved on, or what they still need, and what is
preventing them from living a positive and happy life, and used the
experience to help formulate an action plan for change.
“At first I thought it was for nutters (mental ill health) but now I
know what mental health really means – every one has it”.
Case Study analysis
There were 7 case studies completed during the project. The women who
participated in the case studies have all been involved throughout phase one
and phase two of “Mind the Gap” (and therefore all created a character in their
group) and have also all seen the play “Tonic”. Here is a breakdown of the
information gathered.
All case study participants were between the ages of 25 and 65yrs. 5 of the
women were parents (1 was also a grandparent). 2 of the women had no
children. 5 case study participants were not in employment and 2 of the
women work part-time.
4 of the case study participants had no previous experience of taking part in
drama workshops of any kind. 3 had experienced drama workshops before
with 1 participant having taken part in Open Clasp workshops before.
“Good to wear the cloak of someone else and behave how you wouldn’t
normally without it reflecting on you.”
5 case study participants stated that they did not feel that there was enough
support in their community. The other 2 women felt that their community was
well supported by their women’s centre. Unfortunately the future of this centre
is now in jeopardy due to severe funding difficulties which may leave these 2
participants feeling differently about how well they are supported.
All 7 case study participants stated that they enjoyed taking part in the project.
“I enjoyed being someone else but dealing with my problems at the same
time”
All 7 case study participants felt that their confidence had increased during
the project. To measure this, participants were asked to self-assess their
May, 2007 (updated Nov 2007)
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Open Clasp Theatre Company “Mind the Gap” – The Report
confidence level with 1 being very low and 10 being very high at different
points in the project.
“I was glad to be part of it – none of us regretted doing it even though we
were shy and anxious”.
All 7 case study participants felt that their level of nervousness in expressing
their opinions and views in front of others had diminished during the project.
This was measured using self-assessment at different points of the project.
“I moved forward – dealt with my past”
All 7 case study participants stated that their self – esteem had improved
during the project. This was measured using self-assessment at different
points of the project.
“If more people interacted through drama there would be less mental health
issues!”
Case study participants were also interviewed 6 months after the end of the
project to gauge long-term impact. Comments were overwhelmingly positive.
I believe I found out more about myself and it gave me more confidence.
Open Clasp has helped us all to grow and I love where it’s taken me (plus I
am still growing). Thank you so much.’
Case Study interviews
Sarah:
“I have had support workers galore to no success but Open Clasp and Catrina
(staff member) have worked wonders. Better than any self-esteem or
confidence course.”
Sarah* is a 28 year old mother of 3 who lives in a rural ex-mining community.
She is not currently employed and has experience of OCD and domestic
abuse. Sarah felt that she had often been judged in the past regarding her
mental health, often feeling that she was spoken down to and unfairly treated
by health professionals, family members and people in general. She had also
felt unsafe and vulnerable with health professionals and some family
members and friends because of her mental health and the attitudes she felt
people had towards her because of it. Sarah didn’t trust other people and tried
to block out or bottle up her problems, feeling that she everything was out of
her control and she couldn’t ask for help. Sarah feels that most of her support
has come either directly from or through her local women’s centre which
provides support, counselling and signposting. Sarah had no previous
experience of being involved in drama workshops or going to see theatrical
productions. She felt very nervous and unconfident prior to the start of the
workshops and could not imagine herself ever acting or expressing her
opinion in front of others. She also rated her self-esteem at a 1 out of 10.
Sarah saw depression, domestic abuse, being put down or bullied and family/
childhood issues as being the main contributory factors to mental ill health.
Sarah’s told us about her aspirations before the project - to get some
qualifications and a job and to be helping people but she said she felt
unmotivated, as if she couldn’t focus on the future.
May, 2007 (updated Nov 2007)
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“To hear other people talking about things I’ve also been through made me
feel less alone”
During the project Sarah’s self-assessed self-esteem and confidence grew
consistently and following the performance of the play that she watched she
rated her self-esteem, confidence and ability to act/ express her opinion to
others at 10 out of 10. She also rated the experience as a 10+ out of 10.
“They (Audience members) will have learnt what it is like to have OCD”
Following the project, Sarah applied for a job and was shortlisted for interview.
She found this very empowering as she felt that previously she wouldn’t have
had the confidence to apply. 6 months on from the project end, Sarah has
been successful in gaining a place on a teacher training course at university:
“I was quite ill when I met the Mind the gap project and Open Clasp. I could
not plan daily tasks or even think long term. I could not be in a crowded room
before and now I am stood at the front of a class! I had only dreamt of it 15
years ago! Thank you will never be enough!”
Alison:
Alison* is a 38 year old woman with experience of mental ill health. She has
no children and is currently unemployed. Her mental ill health impacted on her
ability to work. Alison was severely bullied at school and has also experienced
domestic abuse in several of her relationship. Alison feels that these factors
contributed directly to her feeling like she needed to please everyone else
which ultimately lead to a breakdown and suicidal thoughts. Alison had no
previous experience of taking part in drama but has enjoyed watching
productions in the past. Before the project started Alison felt unconfident and
nervous, stating that she was worried people wouldn’t like her. Alison rated
her self-esteem at 0 out of 10. When asked about what she thinks the main
contributory factors to mental ill health are, Alison sited that other people’s/
society’s opinions and expectations as a major factor as she often felt she
was not meeting expectations and she attributes her breakdown to this. She
also felt that being disadvantaged in a major way affects your mental health
and wellbeing.
During the project, Alison’s self-esteem and confidence improved from a 0 out
of 10 to 6/7 out of 10.
“Staff were brilliant, supportive, didn’t assume they knew everything – asked
us because we know about mental health”
Alison suffered with her mental health during the tour of ‘Tonic’ but she went to
see the play and also took part in the post-show workshop. During this
workshop she got up on the stage and whilst she was empowered, she also
inspired others:
“(One group member) hasn’t been well for a while. She can’t attend her
classes due to her mental health but in one evening with Open Clasp she was
up on that stage and getting involved with the group. It’s applaudable.”
*Names have been changed
May, 2007 (updated Nov 2007)
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Audience members and post-show workshops participants
‘TONIC was absolutely brilliant. The characters and story was able to raise
awareness of loads of emotive issues in a humorous, sensitive way.
During February and March, 2007, 36 performances and 20 accompanying
drama workshops took place on Open Clasp Theatre Company’s 8 week tour
of “Tonic”. In total, 2784 people were directly reached by the tour and 92% of
performances and 100% of workshops took place at community venues.
Feedback during and following the tour was overwhelmingly positive.
Comments Books
‘Absolutely fantastic! Very funny but very serious. Thank you for teaching me
a little more and opening my mind to a topic I’ve previously heard little about.
Keep up the work!!’
2 comments books accompanied the tour giving the audience a chance to tell
us what they thought. We received 593 comments from audience members at
various venues and of varying backgrounds and ages. 591(99.7%) of the
comments were positive centred around the following themes:

73 audience members’ comments asked to see more from Open Clasp

121 audience members’ comments stated that the play covered many
important issues

69 audience members’ comments found “Tonic” to be true to life

109 audience members recorded that they were impressed with the
quality of the theatre

188 enjoyed the performance/ found it funny and entertaining

69 found “Tonic” thought provoking/ moving/ poignant/ powerful
At the 1st performance (attended by 60 people), in addition to making
comments people were also given the opportunity to complete a quick survey
to say whether they felt the show had changed the way they think. The results
are as follows:

34 audience members said that the play had raised their awareness of
mental health issues.

34 audience members said that the play had raised their awareness of
child abuse.

35 audience members said that the play had raised their awareness of
domestic abuse.

18 audience members said that the play had raised their awareness of
homophobia.

23 audience members said that the play had raised their awareness of
bullying.
May, 2007 (updated Nov 2007)
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Open Clasp Theatre Company “Mind the Gap” – The Report

25 audience members said that they had direct experience of the
issues in the play.

24 people also said that they felt less alone in the issues they face
following seeing the play.

32 audience members said that the play made them rethink their
preconceived ideas about mental health and mental illness.

26 people said that they had had their awareness regarding issues
faced by lesbian parents raised.

30 audience members felt that TONIC has made a big difference to
them.

40 audience members wanted to see another performance by Open
Clasp.
‘Absolutely fabulous. Great to see serious issues being addressed so
positively and with such hope for resolution. Wonderful to see the characters
grow together.’
Questionnaires
All community groups who hosted the play received questionnaires on which
to feedback about the affect they think “Tonic” has had on their service users.
Most workers do this as a group exercise and fill in the form using not only
their views but primarily those of the group members.
The Community Group Questionnaires which have been returned to date
have provided us with further insight into the background of our audiences.
23 questionnaires have been returned so far, representing 10 performance
only and 10 performances accompanied by workshop (20 in total –
occasionally multiple questionnaires are returned per performance if several
community groups attend). In all, these questionnaires represent the response
from 969 audience members and 228 workshop participants, all of whom saw
the show or participated in workshops at community venues.
Below is an analysis of the audience information on questionnaires returned
to date..
Women only
20 (87%)
Mixed
12 (52%)
Known to include BME audience members
10 (43%)
Known to include people with experience of Domestic Violence
16 (70%)
Known to include people with experience of Mental Ill Health and
or Disability
14 (61%)
Known to include people identifying as Lesbian, gay,
bisexual or transexual
7 (30%)
May, 2007 (updated Nov 2007)
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Open Clasp Theatre Company “Mind the Gap” – The Report
Known poor level of education
11 (48%)
Known to include people from disadvantaged/
marginalised/ isolated communities
16 (70%)
Known to include people with experience of addiction
12(52%)
Known to include older women
14 (61%)
Known to include younger women
18 (78%)
Known to include people who do not usually have access
to professional theatre
20 (87%)
Known to include people who have low self confidence
13 (57%)
NB These figures are guideline amounts passed on from group leaders
and are only an indication of how many performances definitely
included people from these groups. It is possible that percentages for
factors other than gender and ethnicity may have been, in reality, higher
as audience members were not required to divulge any personal
information.
Community/ Youth Workers
 23 (100%) workers stated that their group gained greater knowledge of the
issues covered in the play
Specifically to mental health
Specifically to domestic violence
Specifically to Bullying
Specifically to Relationships
Specifically to Homophobia/ sexuality
Specifically to Sexual abuse/ child abuse
Specifically to alcohol and drug misuse
Specifically to parenting
21 (91%)
20 (87%)
16 (70%)
19 (83%)
19(83%)
16 (70%)
20 (87%)
15 (65%)
“There has been a great deal of discussion from the young people who
attended and from most of them, a high level of understanding.”
 17 (74%) of workers stated that their group gained greater knowledge of
ways to seek help with the issues in the play
“It has a major impact on raising awareness of the variety of support
services which can be used to meet needs. It provided an excellent
platform for developing a steering group and support network to take
forward work towards more gender sensitive services in the town
(Middlesbrough)”
“The workshop gave a really good insight into ways of tackling problems
that look huge!”
 21 (91%) of workers stated that they want to see more from Open Clasp
“ There were people in the audience who work with women in a health and
lifestyle advisory context and they seemed interested in exploring possible
ways of working with Open Clasp in the future”
May, 2007 (updated Nov 2007)
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Open Clasp Theatre Company “Mind the Gap” – The Report
 21 (91%) of workers stated that the play/ workshops are a good starting
point for further work
“I think the women who attended found it easier to discuss certain topics
eg OCD when relating it to the performance” Worker who has already
begun to undertake further work
 20 (87%) of workers stated that the work made a difference/ can change
attitudes
“I feel drama is an excellent tool for encouraging not only participation but
to raise self esteem & confidence. Open Clasp’s (professional) approach
to sensitive topics allows women to discuss openly issues they may have
thus encouraging women to find their own solutions to their own
problems.”
Professionals
The performances were attended by a number of mental health organisation
representatives (many of whom are included in the questionnaires above) and
mental health/ health professionals. Here are some of their comments:
“The characterisation and the representation of mental health issues within
the characters was excellent.”
“I particularly liked the mix of comedy with the realities of daily life for lots of
people. I certainly found all the characters really interesting, in particular with
reference to mental distress and how mental distress touched each of their
lives. Although it was obvious that one character in particular was really
suffering, I found it really important that as an audience we saw clearly how all
of us, whatever our situation, can get stressed and at times suffer from mental
health problems and mental distress. I think that this is a really important
message for all of us.
Thank you, once again you have written, directed and performed a ground
breaking piece of community theatre, that touches lives in a very real sense,
whilst also informing, education and entertaining us. I look forward to more of
Open Clasp.”
“Absolutely breathtaking! I do hope you realise just what an amazing thing
you’re all doing. Stunning and positive. Please keep trying to get into NHS
streams. There’s so much you could do there” (GP in rural Northumberland)
3) Obstacles and possible solutions identified by the project
Each workshop (both the devising workshops and the post-show workshops)
concludes with a technique, which encourages groups to reflect on the issues
highlighted during the workshop process/ play, identify gaps in support and
conclude on solutions (what is needed).
They are asked to look at where they would like their character to be in the
future, and what obstacles lay in her path that may prevent her from living a
positive and healthy life, therefore giving Open Clasp insight into the groups
lived experiences in direct relation to the issues discussed in the workshops.
May, 2007 (updated Nov 2007)
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Devising workshops
Obstacles identified
 The majority of groups identified professionals that don’t listen and/or give
the support needed. Professionals identified included:
o GPs/Drs
o Counsellors
o Psychiatrists
o Social Workers
o health visitors
o Domestic Violence Officers
o Teachers (Lack of effective anti-bullying policy at schools).
 All identified the need for access to more good community and youth
centres staffed by well-trained workers.
 The lack of positive communication between children and parents
 Drug/crime culture.
 Parental breakdown and the impact on the child/ children.
 Lack of confidence/self-esteem.
 Isolation
 Lack of energy
 Discrimination and stigma in relation to mental ill health
 Discrimination and stigma in relation to sexuality
Possible Solutions identified in devising workshops
 That professionals have appropriate training in order that they can listen,
understand and offer the right support.
 In order to gain self-esteem and confidence women and young women need
to have continued access to youth/community work*.
 That communities have access to group work and one to one support from
community/youth workers, plus counsellors. That centres receive enough
funding to support this work.
 Finances and knowledge with regards to a healthy diet.
 Communication skills gained via youth and community centres.
 Giving individuals the knowledge that others have experienced the same
difficulties helps to prevent feelings of isolation.
 For professionals and families to understand and protect the child in relation
to abuse.
 The young people are listened to, have access to learning mentors and that
schools have effective anti-bullying policies.
 Knowing your legal and human rights
 Places and ways to make friends, therefore preventing isolation, which can
damage mental well being.
 To change a culture that colludes with violence against women and children.
 Access to training to get qualifications, to have a job, money and better
housing.
 To have positive sexual health education.
 To have your family, friends and professionals listen and understand.
*This stepping stone was highlighted with every group as the most vital one to
physical and mental well being, these organisations act as a life line, a link to
other help and support and stated that without this women and young women
would struggle to survive.
May, 2007 (updated Nov 2007)
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Open Clasp Theatre Company “Mind the Gap” – The Report
Post-show workshops
As mentioned earlier, one of the post-show workshops sees the character
Suzy, a single mum who recently broke up with her violent husband, suffering
from worsening Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. During the workshop,
audience members can interact with Suzy and ask her questions and identify
the factors affecting her mental health as well as offering her solutions/ ways
forward. 2 examples of the content of these workshops follow:
Workshop 1
Suzy’s feelings in her current situation:
Desperate, judged, alone, disillusioned, bad
Steps to a more positive future:
 a friend who listens
 A Dr who listens and doesn’t judge her because of how often she’s been or
the area she lives in.
 A positive counsellor who offers emotional help and can sign post her onto
organisations that can offer practical support.
 Specific training for professionals regarding Domestic Abuse and OCD –
and gender specific training.
 Courage to pick up the phone – its not easy.
 Courage to leave the house – and a friend who’ll be there for her regardless.
 A support worker who is consistent and offers continuous support – they’ll
make regular visit and ensure Suzy gets out of the house.
 To get counselling and specific support for OCD – enable her to live and
control the effects – not offer and unrealistic cure.
 To join a support group for those who’ve experience Domestic Abuse – such
as the freedom programme.
 Access to such a worker and organisations 24-7 – so no matter when Suzy
feels desperate/brave she can just speak to someone – not an answering
machine.
 For the local CAB to be re-opened at least 5 full days a week –they can
often be a first port of call for people. No more closures of valuable voluntary
organisations.
 Government funding to support such projects effectively – not just start up
grants but money to keep them going.
 Part time job – not in the fruit shop though – something new, sociable to
help build her confidence with child friendly hours.
 Time Out – for herself.
 Self belief.
 Self respect.
How Suzy will feel with these measures in place:
Proud of who she is.
________________________________________
May, 2007 (updated Nov 2007)
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Open Clasp Theatre Company “Mind the Gap” – The Report
Workshop 2
Suzy’s feelings in her current situation:
Scared, Alone, Isolated, No hope
Steps to a more positive future:
 A friend who is there for her.
 Access to Open Clasp workshops so she can recognise her problem and
know she is not on her own – and feel valued because of who she is.
 Dr that has positive and effective training, therefore listens, supports
and refers.
 A Counsellor who can give you all the emotional support you need
regarding the DV experienced and also on how to live with and
manage OCD.
 To know there are people she can ring – organisations and friends.
 Courage to pick up the phone and to get out of the house.
 Access to Hetton – “Come to us. We’ll look after you.” She would get
emotional and practical support (about housing and benefits etc).
 The knowledge she really isn’t on her own –“If she comes her, she’ll
hear how we talk and know we’ve been there.”
 Her children to get support at school via learning mentor, teachers – for
youth workers to be involved. They need to feel supported and that will
help them understand what their mother is going through/living with.
 Keep active – involve her children too – maybe all go jogging or play
football.
 Her mother to understand and support and stop colluding with John.
 And to give her extra childcare so she can socialize with friends – and
have time for her.
 Self belief – “You are amazing.”
 Time – it doesn’t matter how long it takes, or if you re-lapse.
 Mess your cupboards up!
 Friendship.
 Hope – “I’ve been through it and I’m on the other side. Sometimes I’ve
found it hard and gone back, but I always pull through. You can too.”
 A big hug – “It’s ok.”
How Suzy will feel with these measures in place:
Happy, Content, Loved, Hopeful, As if she’s living!
___________________________________________________________
It may be of interest to note that in all of the workshops carried out, the
volunteer portraying the GP (based on their experience/ expectations)
played them as:
 male
 having been in the practice for 20 yrs plus
 the surgery is in a deprived area
 they live outside of the area and commute in their car every day
(jag/Mercedes/4x4)
 well off financially
 good at their job
 clearly is frustrated by the ‘moaning minnies’ and trivial cases put to
them
 believes the surgery would not be the success it is with out them.
May, 2007 (updated Nov 2007)
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ACHIEVEMENTS
 “Tonic” raise awareness of important issues relating to mental health.
“Thank you so much – you have done more to raise awareness in one hour
than in 10 years!!”
 Group leaders/ workers felt that the show and workshops gave them an
excellent platform on which to build with important and necessary
future work on the themes in the play and workshops.
“The performance gives the youth workers a perfect opportunity to discuss
and identify some of these issues which can often be difficult to approach in
sessional group work”
 Following “Tonic”, a mental health Steering group is to be set up in
Middlesbrough to look at gender sensitive mental health care.
“We will use the play as a springboard to develop gender sensitive services
for people with MH problems by setting up a steer group/ forum”
 That people enjoyed the show and workshops as well as learning from
them.
“Missed Emmerdale tonight… but WELL worth it. GREAT PERFORMANCE.
Keep up the good work”
 Groups and individuals who saw the play and/ or took part in the
workshops have told us that they would love to be part of Open Clasp
Theatre Company’s work again.
“We were impressed by the professional approach both the drama itself and
within the workshop element to the event. Issues were clear but handled
sensitively and with care”
 It is evident from the comments we have received that individuals felt
empowered by the work we did with them.
“Once again, thank you on behalf of my children and myself you have all
moved me along that bridge (workshop technique) and saved my life.
Excellent performance, fabulous workshops – keep saving other kids’ mams
and sanity!”
 Through the participatory workshops, women gained the opportunity to
voice their opinions and share their experiences and knowledge so that
every one was able to learn from others.
“ The mental health focus helped me to open up with likeminded people
without ridicule – not being the local nutter”

Audience members who had previously felt isolated by their own
circumstances realised that they are not alone.
“Thank you for showing OCD as it is. The fact that it can take over your life
was portrayed excellently. Please continue to help people understand that we
can all be afflicted with a condition such as this. As always the show was
brilliant, keep up the good work and thank you very much”

Through the character of Suzy from ‘Tonic’, a workshop has been
created as an exercise to examine the obstacles faced by a woman
with undiagnosed mental distress/ ill health and to explore and discuss
strategies for change and available services to improve things.
“Open Clasp’s workshop should be compulsory for people working in the care
and community development arena” Adult and community Education worker
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With “Tonic”, Open Clasp Theatre Company have succeeded in entertaining
and informing audiences who are not regular theatre goers and in giving a
voice to some of the most disadvantaged women in our region.
The impact of Tonic does not stop with the impact demonstrated in this report.
We now hope that “Tonic” continues to contribute to the achievement of the
following goals:
 Giving a voice to those most disadvantaged and marginalised by society.
 Helping to inform service providers and policy makers in the interests of
reshaping and improve service provision
 Dispelling myths and addressing stereotypes surrounding mental ill health
 Alleviating stigmatisation, fear and isolation
CONCLUSION
In response to requests from beneficiary groups and new health and
government strategy and research relating to mental health and wellbeing of
women6, Open Clasp Theatre Company aimed to use drama and theatre in
order to gain insight into the views, concerns, pre-conceived ideas and
experiences of women and young women in our region regarding mental
health through “Mind the Gap”. We wanted to know what factors women had
first hand experience of that had negatively and positively affected their
mental wellbeing. We also wanted them to inform, support and empower each
other during the process. Through the creation of the play “Tonic”, Open Clasp
aimed to give a powerful voice to women and young women in order to raise
awareness on the topic of mental health and mental ill health and promote
discussion and debate around what needs to happen to improve the region’s
services.
During the project, 127 participants fed into the creation of “Tonic” and 2784
people saw the play and/ or took part in post-show workshops. 10 community
groups took part in the initial workshops and 29 groups hosted a performance.
Around 20 professional artists (including cast, crew, director and drama
facilitators) took part in the project and 3 mainstream venues booked the
show. 37 performances and 20 post-show workshops took place during the 8
week tour.
It was clear from the initial devising workshops and their resulting play “Tonic”
that ‘hidden’ issues such as domestic abuse, child abuse, bullying and
parenting issues are negatively affecting the mental health of women and
young women in our region (as well as their families, friends and
communities) on a regular basis. As also discussed in Women’s Mental
Health: Into the Mainstream, most of the contributory factors sited were those
experienced differently by women than by men, highlighting the need for
gender specific services.
Evidence suggests that “Mind the Gap” was effective in giving participants the
space and stimulus to explore the topic of mental health and related issues in
depth, and to debate and conclude on barriers and gaps relating to it and
possible solutions. It was apparent during this process that society-wide
stigmatisation of mental health issues and the taboo nature of problems such
as child abuse and domestic violence are seen by participants as being
hugely detrimental to mental health as these factors result in people being
Including Women’s Mental Health: Into the Mainstream, Department of Health
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Open Clasp Theatre Company “Mind the Gap” – The Report
unsupported and alone. When discussing the importance of employment,
participants largely believed that the majority of employers do not understand
mental ill health and discriminate against sufferers. They surmised that this is
largely due to the ‘hidden’ nature of mental illness and the stigma associated
with it.
During workshops focussing on actions which can be taken in order to get
help regarding mental health, a subject participants often commented on was
the worry that their communities do not always have access to approachable
GPs, trained in mental health issues and supportive of early intervention. It
was common for women in the groups to have had a negative experience
while seeking help from a general practitioner, or to expect that this would be
the case if they did take the step of telling their GP what they were
experiencing.
The evidence gathered from this project strongly suggests that the main
source of valuable (and in some cases life changing) support experienced by
the participants were community and youth groups/ centres and women’s
centres most of which are voluntary organisations. The importance of these
resources was in no doubt throughout the project with women being
supported through counselling, informal support and activity/ education
provided at centres as well as outreach activities run by voluntary
organisations (such as Open Clasp’s workshops). With this in mind it is a
growing concern that funding for such organisations is being consistently cut
(2 of the centres worked with on this project are currently in serious jeopardy
and very few can feel secure in their finances for the future). “Mind the Gap”
was itself subject to budget cuts necessitated by failure to secure funds. As
community and voluntary organisations are vital to women who experience, or
are at risk of, mental ill health, in could be argued that their uncertain future is
a concern that warrants serious consideration by everyone involved in the
planning and provision of mental health services.
The evaluation process showed the project to have been successful in
enabling groups to inform, validate and support each other whilst also having
support from Open Clasp’s workers and their own groups’ community/ youth
workers. Participants told us that they experienced increases in their selfesteem and confidence, were more aware of others’ experiences relating to
mental health and had more knowledge of ways to get support and give
support to others. Many participants also told us that this was the first effective
arena they had experienced in which to talk about these issues in a safe,
accessible way.
This report, along with “Tonic” represents the voice of women and young
women of our region and as such, it can give us an indication of what they
want and need. They want the stigmatisation associated with mental illness to
stop. They want mental health to be a topic which can be discussed and
addressed. They want to have access to appropriate, gender specific, high
quality, non-judgemental support from statutory and voluntary organisations
(preferably at the early stages of mental distress). This report will be sent to
relevant health, public and voluntary organisations where we hope that the
information it contains will assist in influencing and informing positive change
for women and young women in the North east of England and their families,
friends and communities. Please pass on this report to anyone else you think
it may benefit or enlighten.
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Thank You
This project and the play ‘Tonic’ could not have happened without the
brave and wonderful women and young women who worked with us
over the past 2 years, letting us into their lives and experiences and
creating some amazing characters in Josie, Zoe, Nina, Lorraine and
Suzy. The groups who took part are:
Bridge, women’s education centre, Chester-le-Street
Galafields Youth Centre
Hetton Centre
Lemington Girl's Group
Throckley Rec
West Denton Girl's Group
West End Women & Girl's Centre – Granny's Group
West End Women & Girl's Centre – Young Mother's Group
WHIST (Women’s Health in South Tyneside)
Women 4 Women
Open Clasp Theatre Company is a charitable company limited by
guarantee. None of Open Clasp’s income is from sources relating to the
health service. Open Clasp would like to thank the following funders
who’s support has allowed the “Mind the Gap” project to happen:
The Trusthouse
Charitable
Foundation
Open Clasp are:
Trustees:
Caroline Airs (Chair)
Jane Tarr (Treasurer)
Shamshad Iqbal
Anna Flood
Jan Vincent
Annie Rigby
Workers:
Catrina McHugh
Roma Yagnik
Sally Allen
– Artistic Community Development Director
– Company Development Manager
– Administrator
36 Lime Street, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2PQ
T 0191 2301698 F 0191 2617144 E info@openclasp.plus.com
My very first “experience” of Open Clasp and what a “Tonic” it has been, I
laughed and cried, WOW!’
‘Long may Open Clasp continue! Thanks’ worker, youth group.
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Appendix
Additional quotes and comments :
Case Study Participants
“I moved forward – dealt with my past”
“We could see what we had put into Nina (character) – her husband was Bill,
we named him, and it was good to see her come to life – I was beaming when
they first said her name.”
“I was glad to be part of it – none of us regretted doing it even though we were
shy and anxious”.
“I was anxious before watching the play but once it started I relaxed. It was
excellent and I couldn’t stop laughing!”
“Has given me confidence I didn’t have before”
“I was given the chance to speak even if I was quiet – if unable to speak in
front of the group, always got a chance in a separate room”
“Good to think that speaking of our issues could help to change things”
“Great to think that negative issues can be used for the good of others.”
“It helped me to speak. I want to speak”
“I feel a different person now”
“It could be emotional at times, a few triggers but was supported and I coped.”
“Good to wear the cloak of someone else and behave how you wouldn’t
normally without it reflecting on you.”
“I more people interacted through drama there would be less mental health
issues!”
“You benefit women in ways you don’t even know – can turn you around”
“I learnt that I am not alone in the emotions that I go through, especially with
my OCD and issues with my teenaged son.”
“Proved that I’m not making up my OCD”
“Funny on the surface but you hear the message behind it”
“Brought things out that needed to be expressed”
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“Was difficult to watch but the mood was lifted by the end and I wasn’t left
feeling upset. The workshop helped as well then it showed me how solutions
were possible.”
“I think others will learn that OCD exists and that abuse happens – these
issues need bringing to the fore”
“The workshop was great – we could ask Abby (character) questions and see
ways forward from the situation she was in”
“Showed us how to involve helpful other parties so that we can know how to
get help”
“You give women the opportunity to grow”.
“A real sense of achievement”
“We were always given time and space”
“I enjoyed being someone else but dealing with my problems at the same
time”
“Open Clasp are like Lucozade”
“I still have a buzz now! Especially because I helped create it”
“So well portrayed”
“Great that the world cup, something that’s so male dominated can be the
theme for something like this”
“Absolutely wonderful. Belly-wrenching funny!”
“The workshop was endearing. We built a bridge to bring the mother and
daughter together. Great that everyone had different solutions to contribute.
Touching.”
“Shows your experiences, negative or otherwise can bring you to a better
place”
“If we could have had this when we were 16 life may have been a lot better”
“Topics pulled and pushed you but the humour made it all okay. I could relate
to a lot of the issues”
“I could see how our workshops had informed the play”
“The scene with the sisters really got to me and I did cry but it was short
enough to be productive and not destructive. To put something funny
afterwards and keep up momentum meant the scene helped me but didn’t
stay with me negatively afterwards.”
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“I feel unmotivated as if I’m going nowhere. Can’t really focus on the future”
(before beginning work on the project).
“I have had support workers galore to no success but Open Clasp and Catrina
(staff member) have worked wonders. Better than any self-esteem or
confidence course.”
“I’m off my tablets now. Open Clasp gave me the strength”
“Great to see other audience members changing their opinions about OCD”
“They will have learnt what it is like to have OCD”
“To hear other people talking about things I’ve also been through made me
feel less alone”
“Strangers who hadn’t been in our workshops got up on the stage and their
reactions were amazing”
“(One group member) hasn’t been well for a while. She can’t attend her
classes due to her mental health but in one evening with Open Clasp she was
up on that stage and getting involved with the group. It’s applaudable.”
“Everything we said and did in the workshop has been represented on that
stage through Suzy (character) but through other bits as well”
“I thought that the workshop could have been a little bit more realistic as
things were not necessarily in the right order – mental health services and the
route you go down but because we were all contributing it was put right. It is
also important that your workers reiterate that people begin to learn to live
with their conditions and they may take the odd step back but that’s okay and
they will now have a support network.”
“I’ve just been shortlisted for interview for a job, I didn’t get it but I’ve the
confidence to apply now”
“If you can change the lives of people in other groups like ours then you will
make a massive difference”
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“I am glad that the Open Clasp staff moved rooms to help me feel safe”
“The group supported everyone. Everyone was included and used their
strengths”
“Staff were brilliant, supportive, didn’t assume they knew everything – asked
us because we know about mental health”
“They took the time out to listen and didn’t judge”
“Real events but we could speak through our character – good to open up but
feel safe at the same time”
“I was encouraged in a very positive way”
“This has helped me deal with some of my issues and I learned to trust others
through working with other women on this project.”
“What you do is really important – carry on opening issues that get hidden
away”
“I wish more CPNs (Community Psychiatric Nurses) could have seen it!”
“My self-esteem really increased – I challenged myself and did well”
“I have more understanding of painful issues – some of which I have personal
experience of”
“The OCD character touched me – my daughter has OCD and it gave me
more understanding and the rest of the audience. The character was great”
“This will educate people who have no experience of the issues”
“This educates and entertains”
“Even if one person goes for help after this that is worth it”
“I go to church and there is a lot of homophobia – I wish this could be shown
to catholic priests”
Community workers
‘it brings issues out in the open for young people so that they feel comfortable
discussing them’
‘Peoples’ attitudes can be challenged in a safe environment’
‘The performance encouraged people to think! The workshop afterwards gave
the women a real opportunity to further their thinking in these areas and the
way it was presented made it really easy for them to participate.’
‘A rare opportunity to discuss the issues in a safe environment’
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‘People who took part in the workshops gained confidence in their ability to
put their views forward. They also gained knowledge on others’ attitudes and
how if affects their lives’
‘The performance was powerful, thought provoking and human’
‘It was an eye opener for our students who wouldn’t normally reflect on these
issues’
‘Entertaining as well as hard-hitting’
‘The play gives women the confidence and ability to talk more about the
issues that affect them and be able to see others going through the same as
them.’
‘(During the workshop) one consultant psychiatrist said that Suzy (character)
would need child care. This person is not known for his understanding of
wider family issues, so that was great to see’
‘By presenting some of these faceless “problems” as real people just like the
rest of us, this can make a difference to people’s attitudes’
‘This may help people to realise that there are lots of people who may have
problems similar to them and help them to open up and talk to others’
‘This was a fantastic community event for local women. This event has been
a catalyst for more community opportunities which has been hugely supported
by the women i.e. attendance or participation.’
‘I feel drama is an excellent tool for encouraging not only participation but to
raise self esteem & confidence. Open Clasp’s (professional) approach to
sensitive topics allows women to discuss openly issues they may have thus
encouraging women to find their own solutions to their own problems.’
‘The play validated young women’s experiences’
‘I think the women who attended found it easier to discuss certain topics eg
OCD when relating it to the performance’ Worker who has already begun to
undertake further work
‘We currently offer training (awareness raising) for Domestic Violence,
Parenting & Mental Health Issues. I feel the drama performance will help us
to promote the training and had a higher level of response.’
‘ There were people in the audience who work with women in a health and
lifestyle advisory context and they seemed interested in exploring possible
ways of working with Open Clasp in the future’
‘It has a major impact on raising awareness of the variety of support services
which can be used to meet needs. It provided an excellent platform for
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Open Clasp Theatre Company “Mind the Gap” – The Report
developing a steering group and support network to take forward work
towards more gender sensitive services in the town (Middlesbrough)’
‘The workshop gave a really good insight into ways of tackling problems that
look huge!’
‘Through Tonic, I signed up to be involved in a network/ steering group for
gender sensitive mental health services in Middlesbrough’
‘There has been a great deal of discussion from the young people who
attended and from most of them, a high level of understanding.’
Audience members
‘Play was great really enjoyed it ‘
‘Sensationally emotive –rollercoaster of emotions – OCT are the only
organisation brave enough to tackle real issues!!’
‘Great storyline (Suzy) sensitively done and raised the issue of how hard it is
for other people to understand. ‘
‘Loved the football scene very well thought out and well done the
choreographer. Love it haven’t laughed so much for a long time. Well done
everyone’
‘Fantastic. It brought alive lots of things I put to the back of my mind’
‘What a fab play it touches every nerve in my body. Very emotional but brill
ending! ‘
‘What a fab show can’t wait to see it again at Hetton Centre’
‘Very well done, as usual, thought provoking Interesting, challenging.
Entertaining’
‘Fantastic wonderful women! Well done!’
‘Brilliant well worth coming from Suffolk for!! ‘
‘Speechless. What can you say about this play. Who ever is giving funds to
this project you must keep it up. I don’t think you can understand how many
lives have been saved by this workshop in this area!’
‘Really good. I have experienced some of the issues and your acting was spot
on’
‘Really enjoyed it. Very engaging and really raised my awareness of mental
health issues and child abuse. Well done.’
‘Wow!!! Possibly the best performance I have ever experienced. Wonderful
cast – fantastic mix of serious issues and comedy. Thank you!’
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‘Great! Loved the fast pace and comedy surrounding the issues’
‘Excellent! Really good combination of humour and seriousness, sensitive and
realistic about mental health.’
‘Mint! Absolutely hilarious – really enjoyed it – was really sympathetic but still
real when dealing with all issues. Fab!’
‘That was absolutely ‘spot-on’. What terrific observations, and the balance
between pathos and humour was fantastic. Couldn’t take my concentration off
any one person there was so much going on! Every women needs to
experience your show.’
‘Superb balance between the serious issues and the humour – and what
energy! Powerful but not heavy.’
‘Issues with style and energy – great stuff’
‘Thanks for the wonderful spirit in your show – I understand the ranting and
constant lip – but I love the stillness, focus and reality at the real feelings in
the real situations. More please.’
‘Excellent way to engage the audience enabling them to reflect on their
experiences – allowing them to look at other venues for support. Thank you.’
‘Brilliant!! Brilliant!! Brilliant!! Laughed so much I peed myself.’
‘Fantastic play – another one! Open Clasp’s work is absolutely essential for all
women to experience!’
‘It was truly inspirational. Well acted and thought provoking. You are the best
group of women I have ever seen to act out such powerful scenes. Kathryn
and Lisa’s sexual abuse scene was amazing. Well done girls.’
‘You’ve done it again. Pulled me, pushed me, ripped my sides - & touched me
in my hidden places – fantastic – thank you’
‘Excellent show – very pleasantly surprised!! Great approach to such sensitive
issues. Thanks for an excellent evening. You made us laugh and cry!’
‘Thought you’d not top last year’s as it was so good but I was wrong’
‘My very first “experience” of Open Clasp and what a “Tonic” it has been, I
laughed and cried, WOW!’
‘Yet again another fantastic production. All the young women I brought
laughed out loud and thoroughly enjoyed it. Said they can’t wait for the next
one as they’re definitely coming!’
‘really good right opens your eyes to what people hide and really do feel’
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‘Thank you for showing OCD as it is. The fact that it can take over your life
was portrayed excellently. Please continue to help people understand that we
can all be afflicted with a condition such as this. As always the show was
brilliant, keep up the good work and thank you very much’
‘Really good. It was so realistic and I wanted it to go on longer so like real life
and I would definitely would come again but I loved the characters and it
reminds parts of my house. Mint. Loved it’
‘Thought it was very thought provoking. Loved all the characters, could really
empathise with them in a short space of time. It was an excellent impression
of being pissed and the kids really related to the “geordi-isms”’
‘Excellent performance, very entertaining and superb emotional impact
regarding the crucial issues to women’s lives.’
‘Wonderful performance and I thought the issues were dealt with sensitively
and effectively. Can’t wait for the next performance.’
‘Relevant points truly expressed in a sensitive and funny way. Keep on doing
this please!’
‘Fabulous performance. I felt guilty watching this in work’s time it was so good’
‘An excellent performance touching many issues – thought provoking and
enlightening.’
‘Fantastic way of sharing problems. Great stuff’
‘Well done! You shouldn’t be struggling for funds – you are brilliant – issues
can be dealt with with humour.’
‘Amazing, breathtaking. Makes me proud to be A)Northern B)Female!
Stunning performances – thank you.’
‘Absolutely breathtaking! I do hope you realise just what an amazing thing
you’re all doing. Stunning and positive. Please keep trying to get into NHS
streams. There’s so much you could do there’ (GP in rural Northumberland)
‘This needs to be documented! O.C. are without a doubt the most sensitive,
inclusive and enlightening theatre company. Please please fund this company
this work must be continued.’
‘Such a fantastic show, such an incredible performance, such a valuable
piece of theatre.’
‘As usual brilliant work, that is really relevant to today’s audiences – brilliantly
written – wonderfully acted. Well done for being so sensitive and being able to
combine comedy and issues such as child abuse, homophobia etc.’
‘Very interesting, funny yet moving. Second piece I’ve seen by Open Clasp.
Look forward to more.’
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‘I was amazed by the subjects it covered and highlighted the good reasons for
early intervention’
‘Fantastic – full of thought provoking stuff and much that is personal to us all.
Acted with passion and humour. Great performance!’
‘Very moving, very powerful – excellent – wish you well in whatever you do’
‘How do you do it? So many links to so many women’s experience. Thank
you’
‘Once again Open Clasp amazes me! Great stuff. Thanks’
‘You always manage to come up with the goods – funny, caring, sensitive and
send us home again feeling alive.’
‘Fab! It touched on the emotive side of females and experiences in life. Even
the husband laughed’
‘Really enjoyed your performance – a magic night’
‘Another powerful piece showing the strength and humour of women’
‘Great stuff 4 the soul’
‘Amazing, laugh so much, very uncomfortable at times, makes you feel. Love
it ‘
‘A great show – you had the characters on their issues off to perfection! My
friend and I could even see ourselves in there! Well done!’
‘Absolutely fabulous. Great to see serious issues being addressed so
positively and with such hope for resolution. Wonderful to see the characters
grow together.’
‘Loved it. Was really funny and brought things to life.’ Young person
‘Great as usual! The bit with the two sisters brought a lump to my throat’
‘The play was great, exploring different issues in a diverse way. I loved the
humour. You were fantastic, the acting was v realistic and it’s very touching
that the women were able to visually see the issues apparent.’
‘Excellent – making all the material work so well – great entertainment but full
of passion. So good to see live theatre of this quality.’
‘What an inspiration to women both young and old. Refreshing, entertaining
sensitive and realistic. The girls are a credit. What performances.’
‘This was a fabulous play, well acted, funny, thought invoking and very
enjoyable.’
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‘Fabulous performance – cried and laughed – so much that rings true to
women’s lives. Thanks again’
‘The performance was exceptional and hilarious. I think the story was very
emotional. Drama is a good way to show people that don’t have any big
problems personally how people who do have problems feel because for
people without problems I can imagine it being hard for them to understand
people who do.’ 12 yr old audience member
‘Absolutely fantastic – so funny and totally captured my imagination’
‘Both informed and informative. Both funny and poignant. Excellent’
‘Didn’t think I’d enjoy it so much. I was afraid you were going to be very
“earnest” about yourselves. I was proved wrong!’
‘Once again, thank you on behalf of my children and myself you have all
moved me along that bridge (workshop technique) and saved my life.
Excellent performance, fabulous workshops – keep saving other kids’ mams
and sanity!’
‘I thought that the play was excellent and you have a lesbian and things. My
mother got hit off my dad for 15 years. Ps. I hope to see you again. I
understand a bit more about things like being safe and getting rid of violence
and expecting (respecting?) lesbians and gay people etc and that people
should not put themselves in danger by drinking loads of beer etc’
‘Top drawer performance – loads of stuff for us to talk about later. Thought the
scene between the two sisters about the abuse was really sensitively
handled.’
‘Excellent performance highlighting issues face by many people every day –
well done!’
‘Excellent – delivered a very serious agenda in an entertaining and thought
provoking manner’
‘Well above expectations, professional approach and excellent portrayal of
serious issues’
‘As a worker I believe that these sort of mediums can do more good and
reach more people in a short time than we, as workers, can reach in months
and months.’ Community worker
From 6 month on evaluation (participants asked if the project has had any
longer term impact on them:
‘The Mind the Gap project has helped me 100% in the long term’
‘I was quite ill when I met the mind the gap project and Open Clasp. I could
not plan daily tasks or even think in the long term. Now, I am at university and
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a volunteer. I could not be in a crowded room before, now I am stood at the
front of a class! I had only dreamt of it 15 years ago! Thank you will never be
enough! Keep saving families, women and fighting the stigma of mental health
and other issues. You’re all fantastic!’
‘I believe I found out more about myself and it gave me more confidence.
Open Clasp has helped us all to grow and I love where it’s taken me (plus I
am still growing). Thank you so much.’
‘We have had a book published and 8 libraries in the borough have a copy
each to lend out. (Mind the Gap) has given me more courage to try new things
out.’
‘Being involved in the workshops helped me to speak out in a group of people.
Being shy and having low confidence I found speaking in groups difficult/
impossible. I was gently encouraged and did join in. This helped me a great
deal and increased my confidence.’
‘I rejoined my writing group less afraid of reading out my work. Without the
Open Clasp experience I would not have rejoined.’
‘Open Clasp give help and support in a way no one else does. Their work has
been very important to many people. I have benefited through the workshops
by talking about things most people don’t mention. The plays have also
helped me by hearing taboo subjects discussed openly on stage. This gives
others knowledge and people like me feel it is okay to speak the
unspeakable.’
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