Show of support for Hijinx

Cardiff based Hijinx Theatre put on a performance of a different kind at Western Power Distribution offices recently.

 

For some time Hijinx Theatre wanted to provide an opportunity for some of their Odyssey members that would equip them with drama workshop assistant skills, which would be independently assessed by the National Open College Network (NOCN).  

 

Funding was just one obstacle to making this happen until Hijinx discussed their ideas with long term supporter WPD. Ben Pettitt-Wade, Outreach Officer for Hijinx said: “Funding was a major concern so we were delighted when WPD said they could lend their support. This is the first time NOCN had to assess this kind of training so putting together the assessment manual was not easy either. However, the results have been amazing and the personal growth and development I have witnessed in each member involved in the training has been phenomenal.”

 

In addition to providing the funding for this project, staff from the WPD Contact Centre also provided practical support during the 10 week training course by ensuring they had at least 3 staff in each of the weekly sessions to act as role players for the trainees. Ben added: “Having WPD staff involved in the workshops was an essential part of the support as it gave the trainees the opportunity to put into practice the skills they were learning week by week. The staff were great and really got on well with the trainees and definitely enhanced the whole course”.

 

The grand finale took place at Western Power’s Lamby Way offices with the trainees leading the final workshop sessions for other WPD staff.