Issue 256 - East Down BT24 • BT30 • BT31 • BT33
Play Shines a Spotlight on Violent Behaviour
A powerful play examining themes of control and violence in relationships and the importance of communication and respect to avoid harm has been shown to over 1,000 post-primary school students across the district. The hard hitting production is part of Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council’s continued campaign and commitment to Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG). Entitled The Voice Within, the specially commissioned play written and directed by Spanner in the Works Theatre Company, follows a teenage partnership and highlights behaviours and attitudes that lead to control and violence in a relationship. The production, which was followed by an interactive workshop, Participants in a recent workshops organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Slieve Croob District Electoral Area (DEA) Forum which introduced local people to the Makaton language programme.
Workshops Introduce Makaton Language Programme
Recent workshops organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Slieve Croob District Electoral Area (DEA) Forum introduced local people to the Makaton language programme. Using signs, symbols and speech to support those with learning or communication difficulties, the workshops were held in Drumaroad, Drumaness and Castlewellan. Participants fully immersed themselves in the events to help their understanding of Makaton
which is widely used in schools, health settings and in the home to help those with learning and speech disabilities to communicate. The use of the language programme helps reduce frustration, accelerate vocabulary development, boost confidence, improve attention and memory and
helps users express needs, thoughts and emotions. Parents and family members joined teachers from a number of local schools at the Castlewellan event and were pleased the workshop had been organised by the DEA Forum. The Council Chairperson said the
language programme has been described as transformative, helping boost people’s confidence and communication in a more inclusive environment where they feel understood.
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highlighted the signs of harmful and coercive behaviour that can lead to women and girls experiencing violence and abuse in relationships. Organised and delivered by the Council’s seven District Electoral Areas (DEAs), the play is supported by The Executive Office Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Momentum Funding and concluded with a performance in Newry Town Hall on 24 February which was attended by Newry, Mourne and Down Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell.