Project jump: Young people's perspectives on a sexual health drama project for hard to reach young people

Orme, Judy; Salmon, Debra; Mages, Linda

Abstract

This article explores the qualitative process findings from an evaluation of Project Jump - a sexual health drama project for hard to reach young people. Project Jump aimed to enable young people to consider their sexual behaviour and its impact and consequence on other people and themselves. The research aimed to capture the experiences and perceptions of young people's involvement in the project, particularly in relation to the use of drama as a medium for learning. Findings from young people demonstrate that drama can offer an important alternative to traditional health promotion in that young people articulated positive aspects of their involvement. These included enthusiastic participation, empowerment and sexual health skills acquisition. In addition, critical areas for consideration for policy-makers and practitioners in employing a drama-based approach particularly in relation to effective identification, engagement and ongoing follow-up activity with vulnerable groups are highlighted. © 2006 University of the West of England. Journal compilation © 2006 National Children's Bureau. © 2007 University of the West of England Journal compilation 2007 National Children's Bureau.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2007
• Journal: Children and Society
• Print ISSN: 0951-0605
• Electronic ISSN: 1099-0860
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 21
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 352-364
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1099-0860.2006.00065.x
• Keywords: sexual health, young people, drama
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1025228
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1099-0860.2006.00065.x
• Additional Information: Additional Information : This paper draws on findings from two linked evaluations of drama projects for which Orme was the principal investigator. Arts Council England, South West have selected these projects on the basis of the evaluation as one of eight arts and health case studies to be disseminated nationally. The importance of this paper is its focus on vulnerable young people as highlighted in the Government's Teenage Pregnancy Strategy and their involvement in an interactive sexual health drama. It demonstrates that drama can offer an important alternative to traditional health promotion for such hard to reach and marginalised groups. Contribution 50%.