Drama aimed at issues affecting young people in Hamilton

Apr 17 2008 By Shirley Bartynek

HAMILTON Information Project for Youth (HIPY) has teamed up with Healthy Valleys in Clydesdale to create a new drama for young people.

Youngsters from Hamilton, and the Clydesdale area have been working with Glasgow-based professional theatre company Solar Bear since January to develop their theatre skills and explore issues around mental health and what it’s like to be young today.

“The drama called ‘Talk to Me’ is written by the young people involved in the project”, explained Solar Bear artistic director Gerry Ramage.

“This was always going to be really important because we wanted to make sure that the story reflected young people’s understandings of the issues.”

Lesley McCranor, co-ordinator of Healthy Valleys, said: “Young people often have a limited awareness of mental health issues and yet, can experience significant mental health difficulties themselves.

“Peer pressure, body image, self doubt, stress and lack of self-confidence can lead to a range of risk-taking behaviours such as drug and alcohol misuse and self harm resulting in addiction, depression, eating disorders, suicide attempts and possible long-term clinical disorders, she added.”

The performances will be accompanied by workshops and there will be an opportunity for the audience to discuss some of the issues raised.

Healthy Valleys, an initiative set up for rural South Lanarkshire, aims to reduce health inequalities and promote positive lifestyles and wellbeing.

An information pack will also be available giving details of helpful contacts.

‘Talk To Me’ is touring community venues around South Lanarkshire and can be seen on Wednesday, April 30, in Hamilton Town House at 7.30pm.

There is no entrance charge, however, to book seats contact HIPY on 01698 891687 or hipy @btopenworld.com.