WEDNESDAY, 16 NOVEMBER, 2022

Immediate release- photograph attached: Dundee and Angus College students taking part in the in the ‘How We Feel’ dance tour

Young people’s feelings explored in school dance tour

Second year pupils in Dundee schools explored emotional health and wellbeing during a ‘How We Feel’ dance tour.

Young people studying Contemporary Dance Performance at the Scottish School of Contemporary Dance (SCCD) at The Space, Dundee and Angus College toured schools across the city over a three week period.

Each session included a live performance and workshop, supported by health and project workers from a range of services across the city.

The Early Years and Young People Team at NHS Tayside worked alongside Dundee City Council’s Education and Families Service education department to arrange the city-wide school tour.

Alison Duncan, NHS Tayside Senior Health Promotion Officer, said, “We recognise that many young people may have difficult issues that they have to deal with, some of which may have been exacerbated by COVID-19 and lockdown. The way young people feel about themselves is especially important. Understanding self, empathy for others, appreciating differences, learning to talk about feelings and emotions, and being able to deal with adversities is something we would like to foster in all young people.

“Dance is an excellent way of engaging with pupils when looking at emotional health and wellbeing. During their performance, the dance students portray a wide range of feelings through a spectrum of issues including feeling good and having friends to navigating family break-ups, loneliness, worrying about others and negative self-image.

“As most of the dance students have recently left school, they remember vividly what it is like to be in S2 and find it easy to relate to the pupils. Young people also find it valuable to be able to meet local health workers and find out about where they can go for help and support.

“Following the restrictions during COVID-19, we are delighted to once again have this opportunity to work in partnership with Dundee and Angus College and our colleagues in Education and Children’s Services, to deliver initiatives in schools which allow us to support the health and wellbeing of young people.”

Dundee City Council Children and Families Convener Councillor Stewart Hunter said, “This is a great way to help pupils to think about important issues such as mental health and wellbeing. It is one of a range of imaginative projects that are ongoing across our schools.”

Lee Lappin, Head of Sector: Creative, Cultural and Digital, at Dundee and Angus College, said, “This project provides a wonderful opportunity for our learners to experience performing a short tour in school settings. The students find it very fulfilling to go out and meet pupils and explore themes around wellbeing in workshops. It is a unique learning experience for all involved.”

Notes to editors:

• The tour visited secondary schools across Dundee between Monday, 31 October and Tuesday, 15 November.

Contact:

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138