Social inclusion and new learning opportunities in drama therapy

"<< Background >>The project was initiated to address the pressing need for improved mental health services & resources, particularly in light of growing global concerns about mental health, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite mental health being recognized by the WHO as an integral part of health since 1978, the lack of adequate resources and funding has resulted in unmet needs for psychiatric patients across the EU. The ""Health at a Glance Europe"" report highlights that 84 million people in the EU suffer from mental health problems, yet government spending on mental health is far below the recommended levels. Traditional therapies often fail to address the social & learning needs of psychiatric patients, leaving gaps in their treatment. This project aims to fill those gaps by integrating creative/recreational approaches based on drama therapy, which has proven benefits for patients’ overall well-being and self-esteem. The project also addresses the need for formalized training frameworks to equip cultural operators and healthcare providers to work effectively in these therapeutic settings, as well as the need for the direct involvement of psychiatric patients in their upskilling of competencies pathway. << Objectives >>The project aimed to foster the social inclusion and skill development of psychiatric patients through innovative drama therapy practices. By using drama therapy as a tool, the project sought to combat mental health stigma, both for patients and healthcare professionals, while simultaneously equipping cultural and healthcare operators with essential transversal skills in working with psychiatric patients. Additionally, the project promoted the exchange of best practices in drama therapy across the EU, creating opportunities for networking and collaboration among professionals. This helped establish forward-looking learning environments at both national and EU levels, contributing to the well-being and empowerment of psychiatric patients.<< Implementation >>The project implemented various activities across its WPs to meet its objectives. In WP2, local brainstorming sessions (A1) shaped tailored training programs (A2). International training for cultural operators & healthcare workers (A3-A4) followed, along with local upskilling labs for patients (A5). A key result was the Dramatherapy Video Guides (R1), offering practical skills to promote psychiatric patients’ social inclusion through drama therapy.WP3 gathered patient feedback (A1), evaluated WP2 results (A2), and formed a Technical Working Group to define the DREAM THEATRE virtual cooperation tool (R3), supporting the exchange of best practices & networking at local/EU levels.In WP4, activities included coordinating the Forum (A1) and developing a Model for Integrated Management of Dramatherapy Services (R2) to help cultural institutions & healthcare providers implement drama therapy services with psychiatric patients’ involvement. Social Inclusion Labs were also implemented (A3).WP5 formed Local Groups for communication & dissemination (A1), staged performances (A2), produced a Final Documentary Video (R6), and developed a Transnational Action Plan (R4) and 5 Local Action Plans (R5) for future networking & sustainability.<< Results >>The project delivered several concrete results aimed at enhancing the social inclusion and skills development of psychiatric patients through drama therapy. It created the Dramatherapy Video Guides (R1), offering practical information to help operators improve their skills in using drama therapy as a tool for patients' inclusion and upskilling. A Model for Integrated Management of Dramatherapy Services (R2) was developed to support cultural institutions, healthcare providers, and local bodies in implementing drama therapy services, addressing stigma, and involving psychiatric patients in the process. The project also launched the DREAM THEATRE interactive virtual cooperation tool (R3), an online platform fostering best practices exchange, cooperation, and networking on drama therapy at both local and EU levels. Additionally, the project produced one Transnational Action Plan (R4) and five Local Action Plans (R5) to guide future activities and ensure sustainability. Finally, a Final Documentary Video (R6) was created, capturing the patients’ theatrical performances and the project's journey."