Breaking Barriers is a fun, collaborative theatre group that supports individuals with neuro-physical disabilities to develop their confidence through drama. Group meet-ups are held weekly in our fully accessible centre in Ovens, Co. Cork.

Children & Teens: There are 3 groups for children and teens to make sure participants are supported and able to engage to the best of their abilities. In the past the groups have worked on story writing, circus skills, shadow puppetry, opera production and live musical performances. Breaking Barriers Youth & Children’s Groups are part of Youth Theatre Ireland.

Adults Group: The adults group also meets once a week, and in the past have written and performed their own play “It’s Great That You’re Out! Well Done” about their experiences with nightlife as wheelchair users. They performed in an immersive bar setting, to much media coverage. In the past the groups have worked on writing, performance and production skills.

Breaking Barriers runs two terms per year, starting in the September and January, and is led by the brilliant Lead Facilitator Donna O’Keeney, with support from Aisling O’Kane and Maeve Lewis.

Breaking Barriers is delivered as part Crann’s Social Capital services in our Model of Care. It is linked closely with the Psychological Wellbeing and Education & Career Pathways programmes, by creating social connections and supporting our participants mental health, and exploring their interest in further education or a career in the arts.

Activities are designed to support clients as they work towards their goals by providing opportunities to:

• Express feelings & work on emotional development
• Socialise and build friendships
• Be spontaneous and expressive
• Build confidence and self-esteem
• Tell stories
• Improve communication skills