Rowan Tree Dramatherapy, in partnership with University of Kent and The Gulbenkian Arts Centre, are pleased to announce a new programme of group dramatherapy supporting care experienced young people
The Programme
Working in partnership with the University of Kent and their Arts Centre, The Gulbenkian Theatre Canterbury, we will run two groups of 15 sessions each per year.
- Group 1. Will support young people in the lead up to transitioning out of care aged 15-18 years, and runs from September 2024 – January 2025. 15 sessions
- Group 2. Will support Care Leavers aged 18-25 years, and runs from October 2024 – February 2025. 15 sessions
Each group is facilitated by two dramatherapists, with the capacity for 8 members in each group.
The programme offers the opportunity for a cohesive, healthy group experience with other young people who have a shared experience of the care system.
The aims are to support a sense of belonging, reduce feelings of isolation and develop a positive sense of self. Each group supports the mental health of this community at a transitional time in their lives where we often see a breakdown in emotional well being alongside a reduction in professional support for 18+.
Alongside the therapeutic aspects of the group, we hope that taking part within a university campus will help to reduce anxiety and promote a positive, aspirational experience around further education. Should any of the group members be interested in higher education, the university’s Outreach team will be available to offer support and advice around accessing higher education and life on the campus at intervals throughout the duration of the groups.
Some of you may know that Rowan Tree have been providing dramatherapy to young people and adults across Kent for 11 years, and have developed a specialist service of long term 1:1 and group therapy. Please do look at our website for more information about our service: Rowan Tree Dramatherapy.
Alongside the therapy groups, we aim to promote access to the arts for this community with a free creative arts day on 02 November 2024 where young people will have the opportunity to explore drama, dance and music with professionals from these fields. This was inspired by a show Rowan Tree Dramatherapy created with Tangled Feet Theatre Co, ‘Belongings’ inspired by the lived experience of children in care, with six care experienced young people as co-creators. Sharing their experiences and working with the creative team over several years the show had an authentic voice and a sense of belonging at its heart. In 2023, the show was a finalist at the Off West End Theatre awards, and continues to tour the UK: Belongings.
How to Refer
- If the young person is 18 and over, they are able to refer themselves by completing one of our referral forms below, and emailing to us at contact@rowantreedramatherapy.co.uk
- If you are referring for a young person you work with or care for, please complete the referral form and email to us at the same address, with permission from the social worker.
An initial meeting and assessment will then be arranged and have relevant discussions with social workers and carers.
Please make referrals by 31 July 2024. If you are not able to complete a form by then but would like to refer, then please email contact@rowantreedramatherapy.co.uk to register your interest. Rowan Tree Dramatherapy are happy to discuss the programme if this would be useful.
We attach two leaflets with different age groups that can be shared with the young people, and a referral form:
Rowan Tree Leaflet Adult Group
Rowan Tree Leaflet 15-18 Group