Simple Solutions: Animation

 

Leverndale Hospital - 2010

Patients with mental ill health

 

This was a ten week animation project where generally the participants involved have limited patterns of occupation and little access to community resources. Hence their need to have the opportunity for positive experiences to improve self confidence. It was hoped that by creating a relaxed and informal atmosphere people would feel confident in the group setting whilst exploring new mediums. As the group progressed Theatre Nemo staff subtly teased individuals to explore their imaginations and develop characters using pre-made wire and plastercine models.

Observing this process was both exciting and interesting as 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 constraints. Part of the animation involved recording voice overs and singing which allowed the men to see and hear themselves on screen, which for the individuals involved was significant and insightful as one of the environment constraints of the forensic setting 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. They were actively encouraged by the enthusiastic facilitators to work cooperatively 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.

“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”.

Collaborative working emerged as the key theme, “I noticed that all the patients involved in the production of the film all worked together and helped each other” another individual stated “I noticed that all the patients who made the DVD have a better relationship with each other”.

Theatre Nemo are passionate about improving the lives of individuals with poor mental health. Their input within this low secure ward provided the men involved with an opportunity to demonstrate to their families, the clinical team and their peers what they are able to achieve.

A short animation created by a group of patients in Leverndale Hospital