Case Studies
The real impact of our work
I AM- Mental Health Movement Pilot
In partnership with the Big Dance Company, pupils are shown the movie which highlights how you don't know what other people are going through behind closed doors, and how hurt people can hurt others. The content of the movie raises awareness and highlights the effects and of drugs , eating disorders, teen pregnancy, domestic abuse, self harm, bullying, underage drinking, spiking, sexuality, social media addiction & suicide.
The I AM 1 day programme will be mentoring, leading and developing young people at school on how to use
movement and music to tackle their own issues that they might be going through. By bringing these conversations to the dancefloor we can take away the need for words if they do not feel comfortable talking about their problems and help young people voice and express their feelings. When they feel more confident to discuss their challenges and understand the consequences of bullying, this will help them to see that there is always a choice.
This programme is aimed at young people in secondary school aged year 8+.
The pilot featured in this video, was trialled with 2 groups over 2 days at West Monmouth School in Torfaen.
SENIOR STREET DANCE PROGRAMME
Merthyr Tydfil Extra Care Scheme
As part of UDOIT Dance Foundation's brand new 'Street Dance For Seniors Programme', we ran a free 45-minutetaster sessionwithagroupof residents from Merthyr Tydfil Extra Care Scheme.This session was arranged with the providers wellbeing lead for their independent living residents and delivered by our fantastic teacher Kara. Throughout the session the participants learned dance routines to a selection of the residents favourite hits with seated and standing options provided, whilst also providing numerous opportunities to chat with our enthusiastic deliverer, ask her dance related questions and even show off their own moves.
Feedback
"I thoroughly enjoyed this session, it was lovely how we were encouraged to freestyle as it reminded me of my days working for a holiday camp entertainment team".
"I would love to do a session with Kara every week, she's very joyful and her music taste is wonderful".
"I had so much fun dancing with my friends, it was a nice change and definitely something we'd like to do again. Thank you for the opportunity".
"It was a really successful session and as you can tell from the smiling faces I'm sure it was just the tonic they needed, everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves".
Blaenau Gwent Gentle Exercise Group
We delivered two 45-minute long free trial sessions to the Gentle Exercise Groups in Blaenau Gwent, one in Ebbw Vale and one in Abertillery. These sessions were arranged with Aneurin Leisure's Exercise Referral Facilitator for the older adults that attend their sessions and delivered by our fantastic teacher Caitlin. Throughout this session the participants engaged in a low-medium intensity dance fitness session in seated or standing position.
Following the success of these trials we are hoping to provide a regular session for these individuals in partnership with Aneurin Leisure.
Feedback
"We usually play Pickleball but we really loved dancing with Caitlin today. We would love to have another session with you".
"Great music selection and fabulous enthusiasm from Caitlin, you can tell she really loves her job".
"I've always loved dancing but thought mydancing days were past me.It was lovely to have a boogie at today's class and I'd love to do it again".