Telling Tales

Members of a local performance group in Rugby showed off their talents in front of their local MP Mark Pawsey when he visited their project, Telling Tales, on Tuesday.

People’s Health Trust has invested £29,426 in Rugby-based drama group Tea Leaf Tales – using money raised by HealthThrive through The Health Lottery.

The funding has been used to support Telling Tales – a drama project for adults with learning disabilities. Members, aged between 18 and 35, have the opportunity to take part in weekly storytelling, craft, mime and music sessions. 

Members share their ideas, interests and talents and some take a lead in delivering the sessions.

They develop productions which lead to local performances. The project also delivers member-led storytelling and drama workshops to other local community groups. 

During his visit, members of the group impressed Mark Pawsey MP with their theatrical talents through a storytelling and performance workshop. 

Rowen Wilde, Project Co-ordinator, said: “The group has really enjoyed having Mark Pawsey at one of their sessions. It’s great that he has had an opportunity to see all the fantastic things members are doing.

“Tea Leaf Tales provides a supportive environment for self-expression and aims to increase members’ self-esteem, independence and improve their social skills. 

“We’re really grateful for this funding, without it our project wouldn’t be possible.”

Mark Pawsey MP said: “I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Telling Tales project and seeing the drama group in action. 

“This project is a valuable asset to the community – supporting disabled people and helping them to build their confidence.”  

John Hume, Chief Executive of People’s Health Trust, said: “It’s brilliant that group members are so involved in shaping and delivering this project.

“Through local performances and workshops with local groups, the project ensures its members have wider experiences and it helps to break down barriers within the community.” 

Read more news from the Trust here.