Talk To Me

Hamilton Information Project for Youth and Healthy Valleys (Health Awareness organisation) linked up to create a peer education drama examining the issue of mental health and wellbeing amongst young people.

The project ran from January to November 2008 with 9 performances for 1,000 people, the majority of whom were aged between 14 and 18. Created using the words, experiences and views of the young people involved, 'Talk to Me' (as it became) performed in halls and theatres around South and North Lanarkshire by 23 young people from across South Lanarkshire. Performances included events such as Mental Health Awareness Week and National Suicide Prevention Week, as well as NHS Lanarkshire's Annual Review attended by NHS Minister and Deputy first Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who has subsequently expressed an interest in the piece being performed again at the Scottish Parliament. The piece was accompanied by post show workshops in all venues on the issues raised in Talk to Me.

"Solar Bear delivered on all agreed outcomes within timescales, and the quality of work was very high with a professional approach to performance. Thank you for your hard work, professionalism and flexibility. We appreciate it was very challenging and valued greatly your teams contribution".
Grace Quigley, Hamilton Information Project for Youth (HIPY)

"I thoroughly enjoyed the play and I would love to take them to the Parliament. I defy anyone not to be moved by it. It is something that I would like to see rolled out across the country".
Health Secretary and Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon