SHIEN: Service User Involvement Matters!

Main Learning Point

Drama is a very powerful tool for providing information, addressing stereotypes and reducing stigma.

What we did

People affected by homelessness, working as volunteers in collaboration with Glasgow Homelessness Network. Performing in various settings, wide variety of audiences, with plays all based on homelessness and related issues. The groups have been performing since 2004.

9 different plays developed on issues relating to homelessness. Each member of the group contributes ideas and the group develops plays on members’ ideas.

11 members who have experience of homelessness with a volunteer training coach.

A question and answer session usually follows each performance.

Unheard Voices has a business plan and work in shared control with staff at GHN.

Plays have been performed to homelessness staff and service users, secondary schools, in hostels, to the Scottish government, at third sector events and AGM’s.

What was good about the activity?

• It’s enjoyable.

• The plays raise awareness of homelessness issues, reduce stigma and improve perceptions around homelessness.

• Educates people and raises awareness.

• Develops confidence of members.

• Different levels of involvement for people who have different interests or levels of confidence.

• It values people’s own experience.

• Link workers – all volunteers/members have a named worker that they can go to for extra support.

• Flexibility for members – can ‘dip in and out’ depending on other commitments.

• Expenses are covered

What were the challenges?

The drama group have a lot of ideas, and a lot of areas they would like to develop, however, it is often difficult as people ‘dip in and out’ and the plays rely on a lot of time commitment.

Funding has always been a challenge for the group, we have so much potential and would like to perform to wider audiences in order to challenge perceptions.

What could have been improved?

The group would like in the future to have full control over of the process and adequate funding to do so.

Resources to consider

• Volunteer expenses (travel and hospitality)

• Venue costs when necessary

• Staff time for development and administration

• Staff time to support actors and drama coach