In 2010, Nemo Arts ran a ten-week animation project at Leverndale Hospital.
Most of the participants in the project had experienced limited patterns of occupation and had little access to community resources. Most of the participants were also recipients of forensic mental health services at the hospital; this means they are cared for, but also kept in secure conditions.
The reason that this project was so beneficial to the participants was because it offered them an oppurtunity to have positive experiences, which would in turn, hopefully improve self confidence. It was hoped that by creating a relaxed and informal group setting, those participating in the project would feel confident, whilst also getting the oppurtunity to explore new mediums. As the group progressed, Theatre Nemo staff subtly teased individuals within the group, in order to explore their imaginations and develop characters using pre-made wire and plastercine models.
This was an exciting project for Theatre Nemo and the participants, because it is seldom that individuals in forensic settings have the opportunity to be in control and directly influence aspects of their being without some form of constraint. Part of the animation involved recording voice overs and singing which allowed the men to see and hear themselves on screen. For the individuals involved, this was significant and insightful as one of the constraints of the forensic setting that they live in is that the men do not freely have access to mirrors.
During the recording process the men appeared dramatically more confident when acting and ‘in character’. It has been considered that the use of characters provided an opportunity for the individuals to project something of themselves into an inanimate object, allowing them to be someone else.
This stage of the process could be considered from a psychodynamic perspective which utilises exploratory approaches – like play – to assist with the expression of unarticulated emotions. Participants were actively encouraged by the enthusiastic facilitators to work co-operatively and collaboratively as part of a team and have developed their communication skills e.g. the need to negotiate with each other, listen to each others views and ideas, be respectful of each other, build working relationships and provide feedback to each other.
Below is a short animation, put together by some of those involved in the project:
Talking about the results of the project, participants said:
“I enjoyed spending time with my family at the premiere of the film. As a result I have made more of an effort to see my family on a regular basis”
“I felt like people were listening to my ideas”.
Funded by Scottish Community Foundation, Co-operative Membership, and St Nicholas Care Fund, this community project took inspiration from Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes.
The 12 3-hour preparatory workshops for this projected included script writing, drama, and singing.
The performances took place at the East Kilbride Village Theatre.
In 2010, Nemo Arts worked with people with lived experience of poor mental health to produce Cosmic Breakdown.
The project was focused on using the power of animation to try and explain the seemingly irrational behaviour experienced and exhibited when people are ill. The group taking part in the project – which was funded by ‘See Me’ – discussed different feelings and emotions they had felt when ill. They produced a storyline they thought would help clinicians to understand some of the effects of being isolated.
Here are some comments from those involved with the project:
“It made me confident among other people, and made me more interested in art which I do a lot now. [I enjoyed] mixing with and meeting people, which I couldn’t do before.”
“[It improved my] confidence, and helped me accept myself by people accepting me.”
“It helped me feel worthwhile. It is interesting to hear other peoples ideas on mental health.”
“It made me feel less isolated by learning that others have experienced mental health issues.”
In partnership with Enable Scotland, Nemo Arts worked with a small group of people with learning disabilities where they set about making an animation about their dreams and aspirations.
The fact that the group was able to shape their own animation was very important to the project. People with learning disabilities aren’t often given control over situations, and regularly have their activities shaped by carers. In this project, the group had a chance to clearly and honestly convey their hopes and dreams. Here are their answers:
In 2009, Nemo Arts ran an animation project with members of the public called Woolf.
Although the project was ultimately about the creation of an animated film, there was much for those involved to gain from the working processes involved.
Many of the people involved with the project were inexperienced in terms of animation, and therefore the project gave them the chance to develop themselves creatively, and expressively.
To create something as strong as the final product was a very rewarding experience which gave confidence and a sense of achievement to the individuals involved.
As this was a group project many social skills are called into play. Negotiation, diplomacy and delegation of resources and roles within the project were all vital tasks that were needed for the participants to finish with a successful final product.
Working within the Life Skills unit at Stobhill Hospital, this animation course engaged with patients over a 12 week course.
Comments from hospital staff
“All the participants are now keen to embrace new ideas and suggestions and I believe are already missing their sessions with Nemo Arts. On a positive note it has encouraged staff to think outside of the box with regard to developing the program of activities within the art room.”
“Nemo Arts has a positive impact on patients with mental health issues, it assists them in their recovery.” “I only hope that the New Year brings further sessions from Nemo Arts to the Lifeskills unit.”
“Once again, Nemo Arts have provided a wonderful, productive and thoroughly worthwhile project. I think the relaxed nature of the workshop facilitators added to the enjoyment. The department was buzzing for days afterwards!”
In 2004 the Choose Life strategy taking on momentum and there was a clear commitment to reduce suicide in Scotland. This led to additional funding being available for projects such as ours with a focus on promoting mental wellbeing. This was our first opportunity to start working in Psychiatric Hospitals. We delivered a multi arts programme in partnership with the Southern General Hospital, patients were also transported to our sessions from Leverndale hospital.
