Supporting Young People to Make Positive Choices
At Unlock Drama, we believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to be heard, understood and supported to reach their full potential.
Recently, we were proud to deliver a four-session Substance Misuse programme at Lincolnshire Secure Children’s Home, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.
The programme used Unlock Drama’s applied theatre methodology to support young people to explore substance misuse, understand consequences, develop emotional awareness and build the confidence needed to make positive life choices.
This project formed part of our wider commitment to using applied theatre as a tool for rehabilitation, personal development and systemic change.
Why Substance Misuse Education Matters
Young people in secure settings often face complex challenges, including adverse childhood experiences, trauma, disrupted education, exploitation, mental health difficulties and substance misuse.
Traditional approaches to substance misuse education can sometimes struggle to engage young people who have experienced these challenges.
Applied theatre offers an alternative.
By creating safe, interactive and engaging learning environments, young people can explore difficult topics through creativity, discussion, role play and reflection.
Rather than simply being told about the risks associated with substance misuse, participants are encouraged to actively explore:
- Why people use substances
- The consequences of substance misuse
- The impact on families and relationships
- The long-term effects of decisions
- Positive alternatives and healthier coping strategies
This approach enables young people to develop a deeper understanding of both themselves and the choices available to them.
Using Applied Theatre to Explore Difficult Conversations
Throughout the programme, young people participated in a range of drama-based activities designed to build trust, confidence and communication skills.
Sessions included:
- Icebreaker activities
- Creative discussion exercises
- Freeze frame work
- Role play
- Group reflection
- Decision-making scenarios
- Emotional check-ins
Activities such as “Shuffle Monster”, “Three Things About Me”, “Two Truths and One Lie” and “This Is Not a Chair” helped create a safe and inclusive environment where young people felt comfortable participating.
As relationships developed throughout the programme, participants became increasingly willing to contribute their thoughts, opinions and personal reflections.
The use of freeze frames and dramatic storytelling allowed young people to explore complex situations from different perspectives, encouraging empathy, self-awareness and critical thinking.
Developing Confidence and Communication
One of the key outcomes of the programme was the development of confidence and self-expression.
Young people were encouraged to communicate their ideas, work collaboratively and participate in creative activities at a pace that felt comfortable for them.
Staff observed improvements in engagement and confidence throughout the programme, with participants becoming increasingly willing to contribute to discussions and express their views.
Importantly, emotional check-ins completed throughout the sessions indicated improvements in mood and confidence for several young people.
These outcomes reflect the power of applied theatre to create environments where young people can safely experiment with communication, self-expression and personal growth.
Trauma-Informed and Relationship-Based Practice
At Unlock Drama, we recognise that meaningful engagement starts with relationships.
Building trust is essential when working with young people who may have experienced trauma, adversity or significant life challenges.
Feedback from Lincolnshire Secure Children’s Home highlighted the quality of relationships established by Unlock Drama facilitators Elsie and Ella.
Staff noted:
“Both demonstrated a highly trauma-informed approach, using relational practice effectively to build positive and trusting relationships with the children over the four days.”
This recognition is particularly meaningful as Unlock Drama continues to invest in trauma-informed practice across the organisation.
Our aim is always to ensure that participants feel respected, valued and empowered throughout the learning process.
Learning Beyond the Workshop
One of the most significant outcomes from the programme was evidence that learning continued beyond the sessions themselves.
Staff reported that several young people had gone on to discuss their learning with external professionals following the programme.
This is an important indicator of impact.
When young people continue conversations beyond the workshop environment, it demonstrates reflection, engagement and the potential for lasting change.
At Unlock Drama, we believe rehabilitation and personal development are most effective when learning extends beyond the intervention itself and becomes part of wider conversations and support networks.
Positive Feedback from Staff
The feedback received following the programme was overwhelmingly positive.
A member of staff shared:
“The feedback from both staff and young people has been extremely positive.”
Staff also highlighted the engaging nature of the programme, the quality of facilitation and the positive atmosphere created throughout delivery.
Particularly encouraging was the request for Elsie and Ella to return for future programmes, reflecting the value that staff placed on the relationships and learning opportunities developed throughout the project.
The Role of The National Lottery Community Fund
This programme was made possible through funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to National Lottery players whose support enables organisations like Unlock Drama to deliver innovative interventions that support young people to build confidence, develop emotional awareness and make positive life choices.
Without this support, opportunities such as these would not be possible.
Looking Forward
At Unlock Drama, we remain committed to using applied theatre to support rehabilitation, education and personal development.
Projects such as this demonstrate the powerful role creativity can play in helping young people explore difficult topics, develop confidence and recognise their potential.
We are incredibly proud of the young people who participated, grateful to Lincolnshire Secure Children’s Home for their support and delighted by the positive impact achieved throughout the programme.
Together, we continue to unlock potential, inspire change and create opportunities for brighter futures.
Interested in partnering with Unlock Drama?
Unlock Drama delivers award-winning applied theatre programmes across criminal justice, health, education and community settings throughout the UK.
Visit: www.unlockdrama.com
Email: rebecca@unlockdrama.com