Written by Helen Kenworthy, Artistic Director
Helen champions the arts as a tool for change. Now as CEO of RYTC Creatives CIC and Give Get Go Education she mentors young people, creates pathways for them to thrive in the arts and helps launch successful careers.
Do you ever feel disconnected from others or struggle to form meaningful friendships? You’re not alone. In today’s fast-paced world, loneliness and mental health issues are on the rise, with nearly one in four people in the UK experiencing mental health problems each year. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! One way people are reconnecting is through drama, which has become increasingly popular in schools, community programmes, and social events.
At RYTC, we have witnessed firsthand the positive impact of drama on friendships and mental well-being, and we are excited to share our insights with you! This article explores the importance of drama in building lifelong friendships and supporting mental health, drawing on our experiences and our mission to change lives creatively through inclusive and innovative acting workshops, drama clubs, theatre training, and team-building activities.
What is characterized as a lifelong relationship?
A lifelong friendship is more than just knowing someone for a long time; it’s about the depth of connection and the support you provide each other through life's ups and downs.
These relationships are characterized by a few key features that set them apart:
Emotional support: Lifelong friends are there for you when you need them most. Whether celebrating key achievements or navigating tough times, these friendships provide a safe space for sharing feelings, giving advice, and offering a listening ear.
Trust and loyalty: In a lifelong friendship, trust is key. You know you can count on each other to keep secrets, be honest, and stand by one another, no matter what.
Shared experiences: Going through a shared experience such as going through a tough breakup, can strengthen the bond between two friends, these shared moments become cherished memories that help solidify the friendship over time.
Growth and change: Lifelong friendships are strong; they change and grow as each person’s life changes. Friends grow together, celebrating new milestones like marriage or career changes and supporting each other through challenges like job losses, death, or personal struggles.
Mutual respect: In these friendships, both individuals value each other's opinions and feelings, even when they disagree. This respect fosters open communication, allowing for healthy discussions and conflict resolution.
What is characterized as mental health?
Mental health is defined by a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how individuals think, feel, and act, influencing how they handle stress, relate to others, and make choices in life.
Mental health can be divided into three key aspects:
Emotional well-being: This involves understanding and managing your emotions. It includes experiencing positive feelings like happiness and contentment while effectively handling negative emotions such as sadness or anger.
Psychological well-being: This focuses on self-acceptance, personal growth, and a sense of purpose in life. It includes having a positive self-image, setting and achieving personal goals, and coping with life’s challenges. Psychological well-being is about feeling good about who you are.
Social well-being: This involves building and maintaining healthy relationships, feeling a sense of belonging, and having supportive networks.
These aspects collectively contribute to overall mental health, helping individuals lead fulfilling and balanced lives.
Are you experiencing these signs?
If you resonate with one, two, or all of these signs mentioned below, it may be time to make a change! Finding ways to achieve this is important, and drama could be the best option. The list is endless, feel free to add to this list!
Difficulty in making friends
Feeling isolated or lonely
Struggling to open up
Fear of rejection
Lack of meaningful conversations
Difficulty maintaining friendships
Low self-esteem
High stress levels
Avoidance of social gatherings
Difficulty expressing emotions
10 ways drama builds lifelong friendships and supports mental well-being
1. Creates a safe space for connection
Drama provides a non-judgmental environment where participants feel free to express themselves. This promotes trust and encourages genuine connections, which are important for building meaningful, long-term friendships.
2. Encourages teamwork and collaboration
Through group activities and performances, participants learn to work together toward a common goal. Drama helps individuals develop collaborative skills, strengthening bonds and teaching the importance of supporting others.
3. Boosts self-confidence
Performing in front of others helps participants overcome social anxiety and self-doubt. Increased self-confidence makes it easier to build new friendships and maintain positive social connections.
4. Promotes empathy and understanding
Acting requires stepping into the shoes of others, which nurtures empathy. This skill allows participants to understand different perspectives, making it easier to form deeper, more meaningful relationships.
5. Improves communication skills
Drama enhances both verbal and non-verbal communication. These improved skills help participants express their thoughts and emotions clearly, which is important for healthy relationships and mental well-being.
6. Provides emotional and stress relief
Engaging in drama allows participants to channel their emotions creatively, reducing stress and promoting mental well-being. This emotional outlet supports long-term friendships by helping people cope with challenges together.
7. Builds flexibility through constructive feedback
Drama workshops offer a space for receiving feedback, and teaching participants how to handle constructive criticism positively. This helps you bounce back from challenges, which is important for keeping friendships strong.
8. Fosters a sense of belonging
Regular drama sessions provide participants with a sense of community and belonging. Feeling connected to a group is essential for both mental health and building lasting relationships.
9. Teaches conflict resolution skills
Drama activities often include solving problems and working through conflicts in stories. These experiences teach real-life skills for handling disagreements and helping participants build and maintain healthy friendships.
10. Inspires learning and growth
Drama promotes personal growth by encouraging ongoing learning and self-discovery. Sharing these experiences with others strengthens long-term friendships and nurtures mental well-being over time.
Your new chapter awaits
Building strong friendships and taking care of your mental well-being doesn’t have to be hard. Drama gives you a fun, creative way to connect with others and take care of your mental health. Whether you want to make new friends or feel better mentally, now is the perfect time to see how drama can make a difference in your life.
At RYTC, we’ll support you with our inclusive workshops and programmes every step of the way. If you’re ready to grow, connect, and feel your best, join us today. Let’s explore the power of drama together, and I bet your happiest self is just a step away!
Helen Kenworthy, Artistic Director
Helen Kenworthy’s career embodies the transformative power of the arts, from her early roles in the prestigious West End with Bill Kenwright to her impactful work in regional theatre. As manager of the Oxfordshire Youth Arts Partnership, she created pathways for young people to thrive in the arts, with many going on to successful careers. Now at RYTC Creatives CIC and Give Get Go Education, Helen continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of theatre-makers and community leaders, offering invaluable opportunities for growth and professional development.
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