Last week the New Vic Borderlines team hosted an open session to launch their new project, Chapter 2 – a brand-new programme to support mental wellbeing in young people aged between 13 to 19 years.
Funded by the North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust, Chapter 2 is designed to increase wellbeing by developing a supportive space where individuals can feel more connected to others in a similar position and build their confidence through creative means.
The new programme follows the success of the Next Chapter project which has continued to run weekly sessions since 2022 for adult with mental health issues, including the challenges of addiction and homelessness, through arts-based activities. The sessions use gentle, creative theatre techniques to encourage individuals to find their voice through the power of theatre.
By creating a safe environment that helps to tackle mental health challenges in an artistic capacity, the positive impact of the Next Chapter project on the participants, the people around them and the wider communities has led to the development of the new Chapter 2 programme for younger people.
Following the open session which took place on Wednesday 8 October where Next Chapter participants were invited to share their experience of the programme with the new group and practitioners, Chapter 2 taster sessions will take place in the community before taking residency at the New Vic with regular sessions starting later in the year.
In the meantime, the Next Chapter group continues to host weekly sessions at the theatre on Wednesday mornings from 10.30am-12pm for adults wishing to tackle mental health issues in a creative and unique way.
For more information, email Borderlines on amahmood@newvictheatre.org.uk or call 07597378999 to find out more and to sign up.