Theatre of the Senses offers Trafford residents from all backgrounds the opportunity to engage with the arts and participate in a range of creative activities to improve overall mental health and wellbeing. Established in 2012, they believe that everybody should have access to the arts, regardless of social and economic background or ability. This is particularly poignant in North Trafford, an area that has high levels of poverty and social problems, with many residents facing participation barriers due to mental health or disability issues. The group provides members with the opportunity to express themselves in a safe setting – with an emphasis placed on the idea of multi-sensory performances. Theatre of the Senses focuses on sharing and combining life experiences with positive ways of staying well. They provide a broad range of inclusive activities that are beneficial to mental and physical health and wellbeing, including creative arts such as drama, art and craft, video and media production, yoga, and physical theatre. These activities not only provide opportunities for social interaction and physical exercise, but also offer the possibility of a more regular routine and structure to life, which is often needed amongst the members who attend. They also host a café at Old Trafford Wellbeing Centre, offering a ‘pay what you like’ breakfast and lunch scheme. The café acts as a social hub, as a venue for activities, and as a means of promoting health and wellbeing through community-led services. It is always worth remembering that, if you support Forever Manchester, you support all this. The ability of local community groups and organisations to best help people in their community remains dependant on maintaining support for them. To find out more about how you can get support Forever Manchester please email us at marketing@forevermanchester.com or telephone on 0161 214 0940.
