darts and Doncaster PCT joined forces so that young people along with children and professionals in Doncaster could give their opinions and thoughts on a range of key issues relating to substance misuse treatment in the borough.
Creative workshops ensured young people could talk freely about how they might get help and advice regarding drugs and alcohol, how their parents and carers should be involved, and what extra support they might need after treatment or being involved with drugs and alcohol services.
The Point became a hive of activity asit hosted workshops and discussions for the Stakeholder event. Guests and passers-by were treated to a fire-eater outside the main entrance, and Doncaster's tallest doorman greeted them inside. Our gallery space was themed with a monster mural providing a backdrop for the presentations on the day.
darts delivered a series of arts workshops throughout the day to focus on the different areas of young people's treatment experiences. Several young people, as well as professionals, took part in the workshops and provided invaluable input to the discussions which took place.
Each workshop used a different artform to tackle a particular theme. The first, a music-based workshop, was around young people accessing help, support and guidance. A song was written around this and a CD was produced.
The second workshop was arts-based, where attendees made sculptures of each other and their family members and discussed issues around family support. The third and final workshop was drama-based and explored why a young person might leave their treatment. Arts professionals were at the event all day and taught circus skills including stilt walking, juggling and DJ-ing.
Artists and partners also worked hard after the event to gather together all the feedback and comments into a booklet that documents the day and informs substance misusers of services for young people in the future. Everyone who attended the day received a copy of the booklet, which also included the CD created in the music workshop.