Theatre production challenging violence against women and girls recirculating schools in Tameside

An impactful theatre production is circulating schools in Tameside to help shine a light on and challenge violence against women and girls (VAWG).

The production ‘Blind Side’ by Breaking Barriers, commissioned by Tameside Council’s Community Safety Team, is revisiting primary and secondary schools to help target and educate a younger audience.

The workshop includes a 20-minute performance, followed by a facilitated open discussion designed to allow young people to explore different forms of VAWG, and where to go for support.

A pre-film is shown to the young people in their classrooms, to support the production and introduce them to VAWG topics. It allows them to discuss their thoughts and feelings on the key themes, in a comfortable environment.

The additional focuses of the project are providing young people with the confidence and knowledge to challenge harmful behaviours and attitudes and develop knowledge of how they can support peers who may face these issues.

Tameside Council First Deputy Population Health & Wellbeing, Cllr Taf Sharif said: “This production is extremely well received by our young people, so it’s great to see we are rolling it out for another year. It is such a powerful way to educate and equip them for instances where they may face with violence against women and girls.

“I hope this production contributes to influencing perspectives, so we can really see progress with VAWG issues.”

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