Situated in the heart of rural Angus, North East Scotland

Through her long-term work with children, over recent years she noticed an increasing incidence in emotional and behavioural issues being presented, and became concerned about the negative longer term impact on the wellbeing of such young people and those around them. Considering this, Fiona returned to studying, this time for an Msc in Child, Adolescent & Family Mental Health, deciding to combine her passions for performing arts, working with children and for helping young people to improve their mental health. Acting Up! was established to provide a fun and informal way of allowing children and young people to better express themselves and become more mindful of their state of wellbeing - and that of those around them. To this end, participants can become more emotionally healthy, getting in tune with their feelings and emotions and become more empathetic towards others. Benefits can also be seen in terms of self-confidence, concentration, self-esteem, behaviour, speech, self-expression and energy levels. Where there may be subconscious issues negatively affecting a child’s mental health and wellbeing, these can also be drawn to the surface in a less formal and intrusive manner than perhaps certain forms of therapy. Whilst drama techniques are an excellent vehicle for self-expression, increasing confidence and empathy via the facilitator, any more serious or deep-rooted issues may also be highlighted and, with parental/carer consent, be brought to the attention of a specialist practitioner for more individual and personalised support.

Through Performing Arts we offer the opportunity for children and young people to express themselves in a fun way that often their own words cannot. Feelings, emotions and difficult situations can be channelled through given scripted characters or improvisations and explored further in group sessions. One-to-one or smaller group sessions are also available. We can be booked by schools, community groups etc for one-off workshops or a block of sessions and can cover general aspects of wellbeing and emotional expression or more specific issues eg improving self-esteem, dealing with anxieties, challenging behaviour etc We also run sessions linked into specific topics or projects being covered in-school in order to further develop knowledge & understanding of those in an alternative learning format. With schools now often lacking the time, training and resources to include every aspect of the extensive Curriculum for Excellence, Acting Up! can assist by covering Experiences & Outcomes in areas such as: Expressive Arts eg drama, dance & music Health & Wellbeing eg physical, social & emotional wellbeing Languages eg communicating thoughts, feelings & expanding ideas Social Studies eg exploring family, community & environment