TRP secures four years’ investment for flagship programme
Theatre Royal Plymouth says it’s ‘thrilled’ to successfully secure a further four years of funding for its flagship community project, Our Space. The money, from The National Lottery Community Fund, totals £363,375.
It will allow the creative programme to continue to work with adults with lived experience of homelessness, mental health issues, substance misuse, re-offending or with people who feel socially isolated.
Team leaders say it provides individuals with regular and meaningful activity which gives their week a focus and purpose. They add that it contributes to a participant’s journey through recovery and rehabilitation.
They use drama as a tool to play which offers people opportunities to ‘escape their reality, to re-imagine themselves and to connect with others.’
The team adds its approach enables people to ‘develop a sense of self, to feel confident in their own skin, building resilience, teamwork and communication skills which can then be transferred into everyday life.’
‘As 12-week programmes come and go, Our Space has always been there, to pick me back up and remind me that I have a life worth living,’ says one Our Space participant.
TRP’s ‘Our Space’ project: weekly community workshops
It’s expected that the funding will see a further expansion and development of weekly community workshops and in HMP Channings Wood. It will further assist in the production of annual theatre events alongside further national networking and training.
Our Space is also launching a new Armed Forces strand to its programme whereby it aims to engage with service personnel, veterans and long-term wounded, injured and sick.
The 10-month pilot project is scheduled to launch within the next two months and is supported with a £20,000 fund from the Veterans’ Foundation.
It’s due to open with a show in The Drum called Battle Cry. The solo play, by Matt Fox, is based on the true story of a former soldier (Adam) and shows his struggles with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
The National Lottery Community Fund awards grants to strengthen society and improve lives across the UK. It’s helped a number of organisations, including the Menopause Alliance and Bath’s ‘Share and Repair’ project.
It aims to distribute at least £4 billion by 2030 with the goal of creating activities that ‘create resilient communities that are more inclusive and environmentally sustainable.’
‘We are thrilled to have secured such a significant amount of funding to expand the Our Space programme over the next four years,’ says Sara Rhodes, Associate Director at TRP.
‘The longevity of this programme has enabled life-changing transformations in our community, recognising that recovery and rehabilitation are ongoing.’
‘Our Space has been that consistency for people over the years as a complimentary, creative outlet and we are excited to be able to provide more creative opportunities in the years ahead.’
The Our Space creative programme will be celebrating its 14th birthday next month.
For more information: https://theatreroyal.com/take-part/adults-and-communities/
Imagery provided by Theatre Royal Plymouth.
