Rhubarb Theatre X Shine Network
I love you, sunshine
(TW: themes of suicide)
This collaboration aimed to bring awareness and support to Lincolnshire’s mental health crisis, which is the worst affected area in the UK for parental suicide.
With the pandemic having huge impacts on isolation and mental health, theatre company Green Synergy were commissioned to work with local mental health charity Shine, Lincolnshire County Council, and author Addy Farmer to create a series of resources for teachers and schools designed to encourage more openness and dialogue about mental health.
These included an animation, a video presentation, and resources pack that aimed to change the perception of poor mental health and break the stigma around suicidal thoughts.
The project took inspiration from a children’s book written by Addy Farmer called ‘I love you, sunshine’, about a child who suffers the loss of her father when he takes his own life and the huge impact this has on her wellbeing and outlook.
the commission
© Philip Mead.
ABOUT THE COLLABORATORS
Rhubarb Theatre delivers creative and original theatrical experiences. Our work is mostly based in areas with the greatest need of access to the arts. Offering a diverse community programme, we deliver high quality family touring performances, street theatre, workshops, online projects, training, storytelling and bespoke arts projects.
Addy Farmer is a children’s writer, teacher, network co-ordinator for the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators in the North East and Chair of North Lincolnshire Children’s Literacy Trust. She is published by Walker Books and Random House. Addy was recently longlisted for the Mslexia children’s novel competition.
Shine Network is an award-winning organisation focused on helping people with mental health issues. Run by community volunteers, Shine provides a support service, directing people to the right help, running coffee mornings and providing opportunities for people with lived experience to talk to others going through mental health problems.
Green Synergy is a Lincoln-based charity dedicated to championing community gardening, city farming and eco-therapy. Their focus is to improve people’s lives by demonstrating sustainable ways to grow food, care for ourselves, each other and the planet. They work in partnership with their local community, developing projects that create a healthier, happier and more environmentally friendly place to live.