A collaborative pilot project took place with 12 adults over 5 sessions during October and November 2006. Supported by The Highland Health Board, Artsplay Highland and The Health and Happiness Project, the participants from Ross-shire, Inverness, and Nairn, joined Zenwing Puppets for puppet and mask work at the Highland Hospice training suite. The programme was designed to enhance emotional well being by increasing self-esteem and self-awareness through creativity. The sessions included power-masks, group story-making, and the use of puppets to tell some very moving tales about experiences of bullying and depression. The group created a unique and funny story called ‘Callum and the Squaat’, and gave a beautiful performance depicting sea life. An exhibition called ‘Inside~Outside’ was held on November 27th to celebrate the work.

Participants expressed surprise and pleasure at what they could do as individuals and as a group. There were valuable lessons along the way, which have been incorporated into Zenwing’s recommendations for future projects. The participants, support staff and facilitators have expressed a strong desire to continue this valuable process of personal development through stories, mask and puppet.

For more information contact Karrie Marshall & Chris King of Zenwing Puppets on 01349 880942 or
E-mail zenwingpuppets@ecosse.net