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About
More Than Words evolved from a local authority dramatherapy project led by a small group of health and social care professionals. It was established in February 2011, with the aim of making the experience of performing arts accessible to everyone, in particular young people and adults with disabilities and/or autism.
Dramatherapy is a way for people to explore their emotions, beliefs, relationships, thoughts and behaviour patterns. It helps people to:
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develop their social skills
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increase their self-awareness
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gain confidence
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reminisce
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advocate for themselves and for others
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become more independent
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manage anger and relieve stress
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build self-esteem, and
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work through life's challenges, such as coming to terms with and moving forward through a loss or bereavement
Although the backbone of our service is drama, dance, music and singing, we have recently developed a range of healthy lifestyle and social activities which encourage and enhance communication, turn-taking, social interaction and increased independence.
In 2019, we became an accredited Arts Award Centre, which means that we can offer students up to the age of 25 the opportunity to achieve qualifications in the arts. In 2020, we came an accredited Open Awards Centre, which means we can offer students and staff of all ages the opportunity to achieve a range of nationally recognised qualifications.
How we are run
We are a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. We have three directors and three management groups:
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Student forum (made up of people who use our services)
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Management board
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Parents/carers forum
The people who use our services and their families have a big say in how we develop and shape our services for the future. We regularly consult with them in a variety of different ways, including accessible easy-read questionnaires, formal meetings, informal get-togethers and dramatherapy workshops.
Our premises
Our base just outside Wigan town centre has been specially designed to meet the diverse needs of our students.
It benefits from:
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level access
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a large bright studio space
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a fully equipped kitchen
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hygiene room
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changing bed and mobile hoist
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disabled toilets
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quiet space
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Snoezelen (sensory room)
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stage lighting and curtains
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free parking
We are open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday. If you would like to visit us to see for yourself, please get in touch to arrange a mutually convenient time.
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To encourage, empower and support people with disabilities and/or autism to be more independent and develop their confidence and self-esteem.
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To contribute to eliminating barriers to social inclusion by creating opportunities for people to experience work placements, volunteering and interaction with the local community.
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To enable those people who don't communicate in traditional ways to have a voice through the mediums of drama, dance and performing arts.