Over the past few weeks Carys has been working closely with a group of young people from Penrhys exploring and challenging the idea of risky behaviour.  Today we grilled Carys with some questions about the project.

Spectacle:  What exactly is the project?

Carys:  Over the next three years Spectacle Theatre will work in partnership with the Rhondda Fach Communities First cluster, to raise awareness of and reduce the instances of ‘risky behaviour’ on the most vulnerable members of the community. We aim to empower vulnerable individuals and Communities so that they report improved delivery of services which meet their needs more effectively, and have an improved engagement and participation in their community.

‘Risky behaviour’ has many consequences particularly on health and well being and impacts on all concerned whether they be the person(s) directly involved , family or community, friends , service providers, victims or bystanders. Risky behaviour impacts on all ages.

‘Risky behaviour’, associated with the following areas of concern has been identified as an area of need.  

• Alcohol and drug usage and experimentation
• Sexual behaviour 

 We aim to work with those most at risk and vulnerable, including the following groups:

• Children
• Young people
• Elderly residents
• People with special needs

 Spectacle: How did it all begin?

Carys: I identified the group of young people at Penrhys through Phill Davey at On Track. Phill had previously worked with some of the members and so arranged our first meeting. This took the form of a consultation, undertaken at Penrhys Partnership. The consultation looked at the groups thoughts, feelings and views on Risky Behaviour, its impact on the individual as well as the wider community and the services available or not in response to these impacts.

Spectacle: What’s next for the project?

Carys: Since the consultation, the group have applied for a grant to create a short film exploring Risky Behaviour and its impacts. They successfully achieved the funding through the GwirVol grants, having presented their project along with a short trailer of the film to a panel of young people assembled by Interlink. This was a great achievement. The group were also asked to present a short scene at a Co-production event at the Radisson Hotel in Cardiff. This was a great success. The next step is a community consultation evening, whereby the group will invite the whole of the community to share their views, thoughts and feelings about Risky Behaviour, as well as their access to services.

Following this, the group will then concentrate on creating the short film, working alongside professional writers and directors.

To view the short trailer click here