On the positive impact of creativity on woman’s mental health: a reflection.This year sees the

On the positive impact of creativity on woman’s mental health: a reflection.This year sees the 40th anniversary of Clean Break and Southall Black Sisters, organisations that seek to empower women who have experienced disadvantages, through creativity and self–care. On 15 May speakers from both organisations will join us in a panel, Clean Break & Southall Black Sisters @ 40: Activism, Women & Power. Chaired by our Dr Farah Karim-Cooper we will explore the themes of justice facing women, the current context and the strategies both organisations have adopted to affect change and reclaim power. In this blog, one of Clean Break’s current Members[i], Beverly, reflects on her experiences, and the ways in which Clean Break’s Members Programme has contributed to her wellbeing, healing and self-care.About Clean Break Clean Break changes lives and minds through theatre – on stage, in prison and in the community. It produces ground-breaking plays with women writers and actors at the heart of its work. Founded in 1979 by two women prisoners who believed that theatre could bring the hidden stories of imprisoned women to a wider audience, it is still the only theatre company of its kind remaining true to these roots; inspiring playwrights and captivating audiences with the company’s award winning plays on the complex theme of women and crime.Clean Break uses theatre to keep the subject of women’s criminalisation on the cultural radar, helping to reveal the damage caused by the failures of the system. Through its unique repertory of new plays and its’ participatory model, it raises difficult questions, inspires debate, and helps to effect profound and positive change in the lives of women with experience of the criminal justice system. How has Clean Break had an impact on your life?I still feel and carry numerous treasures in my heart, accumulated over the three (almost four) years l have been taking part in classes and workshops at Clean Break. In sickness and in health, as a student initially and now as a Member. Yes, in sickness and in health, we are committed to one another’s betterment, through creatively supportive means. My first year at Clean Break was purely about learning and re-learning self-care, and putting what l learnt into action. l am now, as l was then, encouraged, praised and thanked, not only by members of staff, but also by Women taking part in classes. And their words feel genuine. It took some time, but l did begin again to believe ‘This is what l deserve.’ I had come to Clean Break because l was broken, internally and externally. I came across that years’ booklet[ii] advertising all the creative and healing wonders that were available back then, and knew l needed and deserved the self-care options. I didn’t know if l could locate any inner resolve, or the courage to face the possibility of another rejection. I did say l was broken. Thankfully courage and need led me to self-refer, and after an interview l was accepted, as a human being as well as a student. This experience of not being judged negatively alone has been the foundation for my present and my future.How has Clean Break has had an impact on your wellbeing? No matter what one’s state of health, (that’s emotional psychological spiritual physical financial – I am still so grateful for fares and lunch[iii]), being with Women who want to create art as part of their healing and sharing lives, definitely has the most positive impact on all the Women’s lives. I did move on from - and took with me, what l needed -  the Self-care and Self-Development courses -  rejuvenated, and even more curious to know for myself what went on in 'Introduction to Drama,’ 'Performance Level 1’ and 'Performance Level 2.’ I found out! - Lots of hard work made easier with laughter, and a level of inclusion (daily) that l still truly appreciate, and try to live by.  My very first ‘Writers Circle’ participation led to professional actors bringing to life my words and my scene, set in the Perthshire woods!! I was there, we were all there.  I could not remember having a feeling like it before or since. I did/we did that.  One of the actresses further encouraged me afterwards by telling me she had felt what l had felt. It was pure magic.Because of these shared successes, which l can see now are validations of my burgeoning growth in becoming more of a human being and as an artist, l have auditioned for roles and not been accepted, and l have experienced the opposite. Actively taking part in Clean Break’s 'Making Choices’ with each rejection and acceptance l eventually saw the opportunity to really choose my response to each outcome, and to own my feelings.What are your hopes for the future? This is Clean Break’s 40th year of being. I know our futures are entwined for eternity. I hope to see Members who are ready willing and able fully integrated in the company’s artistic presence in the UK and abroad. We have a unique and valuable approach to fully living life and we need to be out sharing it. The wider world is waiting for us.Can you leave us with a positive message you would like to share? Never forget that at your core there are treasures that are meant to be mined, brought up to the light, and shared, so that you and everyone you share your environment with, can experience the true treasures of life. I aim to do this daily.Clean Break continues its 40th anniversary year following the success of its Spring season, which opened with the sold-out run of Inside Bitch at the Royal Court Theatre. Its second season of work includes: The launch of Rebel Voices, an anthology of 40 monologues for women by women, from across 40 years of Clean Break, published by Methuen (May) Sweatbox, the revival of Chloë Moss’ play performed in a prison van at Chichester Festival Theatre and travelling across the UK (from June)Plays by Sonya Hale and Natasha Marshall at HighTide Festival (September)The full-length premiere of [BLANK], a new play by Alice Birch, a Donmar Warehouse and Clean Break co-production (October-November) A series of talks and events featuring conversations with Clean Break’s Founders, Southall Black Sisters, Deborah Coles and Sonali Naik QC.[i] Member: A woman attending Clean Break’s onsite Members Programme for women with experience of the criminal justice system and women at risk of entering it because of drug/alcohol use and/or mental health needs.[ii] Years booklet: This refers to Clean Break’s annual prospectus detailing the full year of courses and qualifications that women could enrol onto.[iii] Fares and lunch: Clean Break pays towards Members travel expenses and provides a free hot meal on a daily basis, as well as contributing to child care costs. -- source link

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