Citizens Theatre Secures Grant To Combat Loneliness Through Drama

The Citizens Theatre Community Collective has received a substantial National Lottery award from the Big Lottery Fund to allow it to continue its award-winning outreach work. The £79,957 grant will support a diverse group of people facing social isolation and loneliness through provision of a weekly drop-in drama group.

The Big Lottery Fund's Grants for Improving Lives supports activity that helps people experiencing challenging circums tances to take control of their lives and build resilience.

As a result of this award the Community Collective will continue to support a group of roughly 80-90 individuals, some of whom have experienced the criminal justice system, over the course of four years.

In addition to meeting on a Friday afternoon for two-hour workshop sessions, the group also takes part in productions in the Citizens Theatre's programme and is a frequent contributor to community events such as the Gorbals Fair and Merchant City Festival.

During the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the Community Collective took part in On Common Ground, which was awarded the Glasgow Life Award for the most creative contribution for realising the ambition of Festival 2014. Members of the group also took to the stage for the Citizens recent production, Gorbals Vampire and will form part of the cast for A Night to Remember, set during World War One, which runs at the Citizens Theatre from Wed 23 - Sat 26 May.

Citizens Theatre Community Drama Director Neil Packham said:

"The Citz has a long-established reputation for pioneering outreach work and for building strong links with the diverse community here in the Gorbals. So we're thrilled to have the support of the Big Lottery Fund so that we can continue to link up with people who might never have considered involvement in theatre."

"The group includes people from all walks life who come together to support each other and we tend to laugh a great deal. Getting people involved in drama can be truly transformative and promoting that is a big part of the DNA of our theatre."

Big Lottery Fund Scotland Chair, Maureen McGinn, said:

"I am delighted that the Citizens Theatre has been successful in securing a Big Lottery Fund grant. The funding will make a big difference where it is needed most and I wish the Citizens Theatre every success as it goes on to develop and expand its project for the benefit of their local community."

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