A BARRHEAD community drama group which promotes positive mental health through the arts has received a welcome funding boost from UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE).

ACUMEN Drama Group has been granted £2,000 from UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE), a Tata Steel subsidiary aimed at helping business and groups in traditional steel producing communities realise their full potential.

The drama group was launched by ACUMEN, which stands for Advancing Community Understanding of Mental and Emotional Needs, in 2014.

Working with performing arts facilitators, the group creates thought-provoking performances that highlight the realities of conditions such as depression and anxiety to audiences across the country, often presenting at conferences for social workers and health care specialists.

The support provided by UKSE will be used to fund the group’s attendance at the 2017 Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival, where it will perform a piece based on this year’s theme ‘reclaim.’

In addition to shining a light on an important issue, the weekly workshops create a positive space for participants to enhance mental and physical well-being.

Through movement and drama classes, members learn new skills, build confidence and develop techniques for self-expression.

Pauline Vallance, development worker for ACUMEN, said: “While our society is becoming more understanding of mental health, there are still more steps which need to be taken.

“With the support of UKSE, the drama group is now able to build on the success of recent years and continue to bring adults in the community together through creative activity, providing a welcoming and supportive social base. We are hugely grateful to UKSE for the funding, which will allow us to take our show to the festival.”

Anne Clyde, regional manager at UKSE, added: “The promotion of mental and physical wellbeing is an important cause which UKSE is proud to support.

“The work carried out by ACUMEN Drama both to dispel inaccuracies surrounding mental health, and to create a positive environment for their members is truly incredible. We wish the group the best of luck for the upcoming performance at the Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival.”