Pupils from Woodlands School, Basildon, performed a new musical, ‘Life as Normal’, to an audience of local people and community groups. The event was hosted by Dr Patrick Geoghegan OBE, Chief Executive of South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (SEPT). The musical explores the issue of mental health prejudice in a powerful but entertaining way.
The performance was a special commission with the school and SEPT. Thanks to support from NHS South West Essex, a DVD and workbook will be produced for use in schools throughout Essex. The play links in to ‘Time To Change’, a national campaign to challenge prejudice and attitudes to mental health stigma.
Young people often turn to mates for help and the musical promotes the idea of mental health ‘First Aid’ which is to listen non judgmentally, listen again, reassure them, encourage them to get NHS help and encourage self help. It’s about listening and being a real mate.
Every performer was presented with a certificate and a £10 voucher by Councillor Mrs Mo Larkin, Chairman of Basildon Council.
An individual award was presented to the school and collected by James Lovelock, the teacher who wrote and produced the performance. The award was in recognition of the work put into writing and performing the musical and also as an acknowledgement that the issue of mental health stigma is taken very seriously at Woodlands School.
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