Using theatre to increase understanding of learning disabilities

People with learning disabilities often receive poorer healthcare services than the general population; to improve this, changes need to be made to the undergraduate health education. Northumbria University and Lawnmowers Independent Theatre Company have codeveloped a creative health-awareness training (CHAT) project, in which actors with learning disabilities run a workshop for student nurses. In character, the actors portray patients with various needs, first in a theatre piece and then in an interactive session with the students. This is followed by a debrief. Students’ feedback demonstrates that the workshop improves their confidence and skills in supporting people with learning disabilities