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Red Rose Chain Theatre and Film Company is delighted to announce that they have been granted £332, 000 from the Big Lottery Fund to develop their work in Ipswich and the surrounding areas over the next three years. The grant will allow Red Rose Chain to substantially develop their work with people who are recovering from addiction to Class A substances.
The funding will enable those recovering from addiction to take part in a range of artistic and creative activities, designed to increase their confidence and self esteem and to support their progress into a life free from drugs.
This ground-breaking project, which begins in January 2011, will significantly enhance the local community. The project will enable the participants to realise their full potential through engaging in a programme which is tailored to their needs. Through their involvement with the project, participants will develop greater aspirations, which will lead to a reduction in risk-taking behaviour. Increased aspirations will also lead to an increase in participants accessing education, training, volunteering and employment.
Joanna Carrick, Artistic Director at Red Rose Chain said; "The grant from the Big Lottery Fund will have an extremely positive impact on the participants and the wider community. The project is innovative and responds directly to the needs of those who are set to benefit."
The project will also enable participants to develop theatre performances and films designed to educate the community about drug addiction. These films will be seen nationally and will be used to develop the communities’ understanding of addiction and to tackle prejudice within society. By engaging communities in debate and discussion on drug addiction, the project aims to reduce the levels of drug usage both locally and nationally.
The project will build on Red Rose Chain’s partnership with the Iceni Project in Ipswich. Brian Tobin, co-founder of the charity said; "The news of this grant being awarded to Red Rose Chain by The Big lottery Fund is great news for the people of Ipswich and Suffolk. Iceni have worked closely with Red Rose Chain and have witnessed the tremendous work they carry out with some of the most vulnerable in our communities. The passion and desire to want to make a real difference through the medium of theatre and film is the heartbeat of Red Rose Chain and this grant will open up many more opportunities for individuals who have struggled with drug addiction."
The project was developed after the success of a pilot programme in 2009. This initial programme engaged 15 people recovering from drug addiction in devising, rehearsing and performing a live theatre performance called I Love KitKats.
One participant on the pilot programme commented; "I’m living my dream, and I just think right, I don’t need drugs, I don’t need that life…and I really don’t want that life. I’m just thinking about the future."
Red Rose Chain have developed a reputation locally and regionally, working with vulnerable people in the community. This work is alongside their record-breaking outdoor theatre event, Theatre In The Forest, sponsored by Ashton Graham. Click here for further information
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