Inclusive drama group gives people with learning disabilities and autism the confidence to lead more independent lives
ECL Crafty Drama is an inclusive drama group based in Essex that provides a welcoming and safe space for anyone with learning disabilities and/or autism to have fun, learn new skills and make friends.
Run by Learning Disability Customer Care Assistants (CCA) Robert Kutner and Jane Woodwards, the group gives individuals the chance to learn social, communication, motor, and life skills through the use of sign language, music, dance, and drama.
The difference that Robert and Jane have made to the lives of those that attend was recently highly commended by the judges of this year’s National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards, who recognised their passion and commitment to helping customers lead more independent lives.
Aptly named by one of the customers, Crafty Drama has been a hit with ECL Colchester Day Opportunities customers for 17 years. The group is Robert’s passion project, and he puts in time and hard work to write scripts and choreograph routines for the drama group to perform.
A CCA since 2002, Robert is a natural performer, his experience in amateur dramatics coupled with his impressive arts and crafts skills are the inspiration behind the group which began life in 2005 as a simple arts and crafts session. It quickly became so popular that it has grown to be day service in its own right.
As the group grew in confidence and popularity, Crafty Drama began to perform for the community, inviting local schools and colleges to their shows. Over the years their performances have evolved considerably and are now large-scale productions with professional sound and lighting. Customers have progressed to performing musicals taking on the extra challenge of learning lines in addition to musical routines.
Robert and Jane’s passion and person-centred approach to running the group is what makes it such a hit with ECL customers. Robert’s musicality and enthusiasm is infectious, and he manages to bring even the shyest person out of their shell and give them the confidence to perform. The pair have a great working relationship having worked together for 17 years, and it shows in what they achieve for their customers. Ask any member of Crafty Drama what they like most about attending and they will say ‘Robert and Jane’.
Jane, a carer for people with learning disabilities for 22 years, is an integral part of Crafty Drama’s success. Having previously worked as a one to one carer, Jane teamed up with Robert to help run Crafty Drama in 2005. She is immensely proud of the group and says: “Seeing the customers’ pride as they progress and learn new things is really rewarding. They’re amazing, learning all the scripts, dances and songs is a big challenge and it’s really inspiring to see how they take it all in their stride. They make us proud every day.”
Speaking about the group Robert said: “I’m really proud of what we have achieved as a group. Crafty Drama is my passion, I wouldn’t want to do anything else. What we offer as a service builds their independence, confidence, and social skills, helping them to navigate social settings and express themselves more effectively.
By the time we get to the performance day, the group don’t really need us to lead them at all – we’re really only at the front directing them for additional support, they would perform perfectly even if we weren’t there. They’re great. We’re always so proud of them.”
