It’s all about using the power of the arts to promote active healthy lifestyles, emotional resilience and coping skills — and also highlighting the support services available to those affected by mental health issues. Vulnerable students, such as those affected by suicide or mental health issues, are identified by school counsellor/TY coordinator and a consent form is signed by parent and student. An independent evaluation on Acting for the Future by Arklow Mental Health Week found it “an example of best-practice in how it was organised and delivered”. Evidence-basedresearch conducted by Trinity College Dublin showed it “increases young people’s confidence in mental health seeking, wellbeing and emotional regulation strategies”. Smashing Times has now extended the project to become a European level under Acting for the Future: Theatre and Film for Positive Mental Health, a transnational project using creative processes to promote positive mental health and wellbeing.

Source: Irish Examiner February 01, 2020 10:41 UTC