The Open House Project runs twice a year. It is an intensive 12-week programme of life skills and employability workshops, drama sessions and rehearsals, and 3 weeks of public performance.
As well as enabling young people to participate in professional theatre and work with first class creative teams, the programme builds confidence and self-esteem and provides a valuable opportunity for young people to develop skills such as time-keeping, team work and improved communication skills.
The Project is designed to support care leavers’ wellbeing, improve resilience and the ability to make better informed decisions.
During the Project, members receive pastoral support and have access to a counsellor. Afterwards, The Big House continues to offer members support for up to a year, helping them to move forward in their next steps.
After the Project care leavers become part of the wider community at The Big House accessing a range of social events and are eligible to get paid job opportunities within The Big House Means Business to train social care sector staff and deliver empathy workshops within the corporate and wider community. They can also access Buddy roles which allow them to mentor and support younger members new to The Big House.
Working in the Health & Social Care sector brings many personal rewards.
