Study supports theater as an effective anti-stigma tool

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Recently a group of Occupational Therapy students at Loma Linda University analyzed  data from 611 surveys collected at 41 Acting Out Loud performances between 2008-2011. The group reported the following outcomes:

  • 93.5% of the respondents reported after seeing the performance having a more positive perception of people with mental illness
  • 91.5% reported having a better understanding of mental illness.

The study supports drama as an effective tool to educate society and raise awareness of mental illness.

In 2009, 86,000 or 5.9% of the Riverside County population likely has had psychological distress during the past year, a California Health Interview Survey found. In these turbulent economic times, the number has most likely increased.  The community needs to hear this message of hope. Bring this valuable program to your organization today!

Acting Out Loud is now available for performing engagements. We do not charge a fee for local performances. Contributions are always welcome, and we ask for a travel stipend for performances outside of Riverside, CA. For more information visit the troupe’s webpage.

Theater for Anti-Stigma outreach in the UK!

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We at JTP have seen first hand how effective theater is for storytelling and busting the myths and misunderstandings about mental illness and people living with a mental health diagnosis. Our theatre troupe Acting Out Loud has brought their message of hope and recovery to over 4,000 people across the U.S.

Tiffany Keeler at Art Works found an interesting story (link here) about a play called Inside Out performed in Scotland. It is a collaboration between college students and a mental health agency.

Too bad we can’t get there to see it. If you know of any theater or arts activities that work to end stigma, send the information our way. Always encouraging to hear about the great work being done throughout the world!

Poets & Writers Workshop at JTP’s Art Works

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Congratulations to the writers who participated in Angela Thomson-Bradley’s “Memory Shapes and Sounds: Accessing Artful Interchange Between Poetry and Autobiography” held at Art Works this fall! The chapbook is published! Also congratulations to Angela Thomson-Bradley and Lisa Henry for a great workshop! Thank you to the Inlandia Institute for partnering with Art Works on this special project. And finally thank you to Poets & Writers for their financial support that made this project possible!.

Friend of JTP featured in Press Enterprise

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Richard Elliott – friend of JTP, artist, and peer support specialist – was featured in the Riverside Press Enterprise. We commend Richard for sharing his story and working to change perceptions of mental health!

Read the article here:

http://www.pe.com/local-news/riverside-county/murrieta/murrieta-headlines-index/20110830-murrieta-man-who-overcame-disorder-seeks-to-help.ece

Strength of Us website – Connecting teens to teens

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NAMI has created a website called StrengthofUs. It is an online community designed to empower young adults through resource sharing and peer support and to build connections for those navigating the unique challenges and opportunities in the transition-age years. StrengthofUs.org provides opportunities for them to connect with peers and offer support, encouragement and advice and share real world experiences, personal stories, creativity, resources and ultimately, a little bit of each of our wonderful and unique self. It is a user-generated and user-driven community; so basically it’s whatever *you* make it. Everything on this site has been developed and created by and for young adults with their own demographics specifically in mind…because we think you’re worth it! We hope every time you visit, you find hope, encouragement, support and most of all, the strength to live your dreams and goals. StrengthOfUs!