snakes and ladders

for Christian Youth Groups
A new theatre piece and workshop that unpacks depression and its effects on young people and those around them.

This piece is challenging, thought provoking and bursting at the seams with hope.

Snake and Ladders follows a day in the life of 16 year old Will whose ‘seeming’ best friend is depression. As the story unfolds we discover there is always hope and that with support, self discipline and possibly medication, depression’s voice can be quietened and controlled.  The workshop that follows the theatre piece unpacks key themes that the piece has touched upon. It reminds young people that mental health issues are illnesses and those suffering need support and help. It points out tools and methods that can be used to aide them if they suffer or if they are friends with someone who suffers. It ultimately reminds young people of their intrinsic worth to God and resonates the hope that God offers in the midst of a condition that can be so dark.

Why Mental Health?
Going Public decided to tackle the issue of mental health for two reasons, firstly, when in 2010 we asked teachers across South Wales what one resource they felt was missing from their personal social education arsenal in a school setting, they overwhelmingly noted the need for Mental Health to be addressed. Secondly, many of the team have been youth workers or have current experience with young people and in these contexts have met and walked alongside many young people who are grappling with depression and related issues such as self harm and anorexia. Overwhelmingly, we feel this piece is appropriate because we want to encourage young people, bring hope to young people and say that we understand that they are hurting and significantly, highlight that even Christians suffer with depression. We passionately believe that this difficult issue needs to be brought to the surface, discussed in Christian youth group settings, offering tools and insights into what is an illness not an oddity and remind each young person who suffers or who cares for a sufferer that this is an issue close to God’s heart and in God there is always hope.

Venue: Gate Arts Centre, Keppoch Street, Roath, Cardiff
Time: 7:30pm – 9:15pm
Date: Friday 8th April 2011

Price: £5 per ticket

Group booking offers:
10 tickets – £40 (saving of £10)
20 tickets £70 (saving of £30)

Book Tickets via the Gate on (029) 2048 3344

Alternatively, if you would like to book online, please click here