Mixed Messages

Working with these young people was a constantly contradictory experience. At times they could be; full of brashness but then completely lacking in self confidence; foul mouthed and running riot but then very sensitive and grown up; obsessed with smoking weed and having sex but then ready to run around and just play.

It was important to have the three weeks to really get to know what made them tick.

At the end of the Drama Project, the young people and workers went for a day at Twin Lakes (Melton Mowbray's answer to Disney World). It was funny to see the Learners - who had spent so long trying to look grown up and prove points - just let it all go and have madcap fun. They then also had the confidence to tell the young people on the other projects how much fun they'd had.