Reach Inclusive Arts worked with of two different groups of young people who were all current residents at the Marlborough House unit. The first phase of the project took place in May and the second in August. Each week had the same format and started with a two hour drama session in the morning and a two-hour art session in the afternoon. There was a fifteen-minute reflection time at the end of each day so that the group could talk about salient points, including thoughts and feelings about the project. However, a comments book was present at all times so that participants and staff from Marlborough House could write down thoughts and feelings at any particular moment in time. Each week ended with a final public street art performance that incorporated the artwork created.
Street theatre enabled the young people taking part to develop a positive sense of self-esteem and enhance their confidence whilst encouraging group cohesion. This was achieved through self-expression, a positive focus and learning to be supportive within a group environment by working together to achieve an end goal. This project invited children who were currently resident at Marlborough House, Swindon, all with mental health issues, to join a street arts project at the Wyvern Theatre. Marlborough House is a specialised unit for young people with psychotic disorders. At the start of the week the attendees were advised about the structure of the project and that a final performance would take place in the street outside the theatre. Participants were accompanied by support workers at all times from Marlborough House.
