Doors opening …
Yesterday, sixteen individuals set out on a pioneering journey: the first Trust-wide project led by individuals we support to enable extraordinary lives.
The project, initiated by Jigsaw representatives Anthony and Beth, brings them together with Mind the Gap Theatre Company to explore what an extraordinary life looks and feels like through the lens of citizenship.
The journey began with the usual mix of nerves, excitement and hoping for great connections. Mind the Gap’s, Bee, outlined the scope of her role as a creative facilitator, “to use creativity to get to the heart of tricky conversations and communicate big ideas.”
The sixteen individuals will determine both the route and the destination. Co-Facilitator Theo, however, chose the perfect place to begin. By sharing his own strengths and challenges, he created a safe space for others to do the same, which helped shape an agreed ‘way of working.’
And with a commitment to ‘get involved … try new things … be mindful of each other’s needs … and have fun …’ the new ways of working began.
Bee challenged everyone to, “Pair up with someone you don’t know and find out something you have in common. Then share it with the group without using words!”
Matthew and Eileen discovered a shared passion for Midsummer Murders and to everyone’s great delight, acted out the general gist of an episode. Ann and Janet treated all to a Wicked attempt at defying gravity on imaginary broomsticks, bonding over their shared love of the musical. And in that space of growing trust, solidarity and freedom, Anthony and Jess threw all caution the wind to demonstrate just how much the hypnotic pull of synth music moves them.
A familiar game, Grandma’s Footsteps, (or What time is it Mr Wolf) was given a team building twist. Tasks needed to be completed before any one ‘individual’ could creep unseen, to touch Grandma’s shoulder. Who among the group would risk a wobble, in order to pose for a photograph, take a drink, or upturn a chair? And who in the group would think to shield or support anyone prepared to try?
After a well-earned pit-stop, Bee and Theo outlined their brief for the 10 week project; to use creativity to explore the seven keys to citizenship; home, community, help, freedom, money, love and purpose. Inspired, individuals stepped forward to outline the why.
‘To think about the things in our lives that are important.’ Yammy
‘To speak up about what’s important for those who can’t speak for themselves.’ Anthony
‘Because the seven keys are for everyone. They are the keys to living a good life.’ Beth
‘Because we are equal and things should be fair.’ Janet
Over the course of afternoon, the group embraced activities designed to bring abstract concepts, such as equity and community, to life. In a game of The sun shines on anyone …. e.g. wearing blue, all those wearing blue were required to change places. But who would think to support Helena and Eileen as wheelchair users? Were adaptations needed for anyone? Who was looking out for anyone not joining in?
As day one drew to a close, all onboard were feeling ‘less nervous .. more excited.. and truly grateful’ for the connection. All hopes for the project, above and beyond the horizon.