Workplace Workshops
What I was looking for was a different way to communicate around mental wellbeing and stress as an awareness raising session. I feel that what Maya and John delivered ticked all of the boxes for this… I think the content was really good and engaging and the double act provided a really good contrast that helped keep everyone involved. Most importantly, I think it has stuck with people who attended and has raised awareness of this very important issue.
The way you unpacked the subject of mental health left me absolutely spellbound, I was literally on the edge of my seat for the full hour and I could never have imagined such a topic would hold my interest for that length of time. You honestly gave me food for thought on a multitude of levels both personally and professionally – thank you.
Thank you for your powerful workshops! It was excellent feedback and great to see everyone getting something from it.
We would thoroughly recommend that everyone attend this. Touched on a couple of issues very close to me and found it very thought provoking.
Thank you for presenting to our staff on Friday…the presentations were really well received – I’ve had lots of good feedback about them.
An excellent presentation, a result of which, I’m sure will make people think a whole lot differently about mental health.
I thought the session was excellent and whilst being fun, hit home the points.
Shows
Cracking Up! proves that a comedy show about mental health can be hilarious. It’s a relief to see an agenda-led project, which mixes arts with education, deliver its message without preaching.
Powerful, poignant and hilarious. A must see for anyone interested in the human condition.
I was incredibly impressed with the show. It’s no easy task to broach the subject of mental illness whilst being genuinely funny at the same time. I think Cracking Up achieved its aim… to broach a sensitive and taboo topic area, whilst challenging people’s preconceptions and reducing the stigma surrounding mental ill health.
While Gareth’s honesty and courage initially shocks the audience – who at first are a little unsure if they should be laughing at such sensitive material – it gains their trust and attention, and for many, proves to be one of most memorable parts of the show. The comedy has toured across London and the south east with audiences responding well to the mix of laughter and thought-provoking comment
Projects
I have experienced first hand how comedy helps people address issues that might be difficult to discuss with others. Through its various projects, it has made a tremendous contribution to raising awareness of mental health issues and tackling social stigma and I hope to see it go from strength to strength.
To the credit of John, fellow performers and the producer Maya Twardzicki, Cracking Up turned out to be very funny.
Holding a mirror up to society and using humour to explore and explode stigma is a powerful way to bring change. Laughter is truly a magnificent medicine –The show is both funny and challenging.