Background.

Amethyst was set up by Small World Theatre in 2017 for young people facing difficulties with their mental health. The project was based in Small World Theatre’s venue in Cardigan, headed up by its Project Manager Deri Morgan and included a team and volunteers. It ran weekly support sessions during term times and continued in this format until 2019 when covid-19 appeared.

The project’s team used a proven combination of theatre techniques to look at relationships (with themselves and with others) and find positive solutions for problems faced in daily lives. Equally important, was the space the project provided: a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental space that prioritised the young people so that they felt listened to and could explore their thoughts and feelings.

Amethyst uses the following techniques:

  • Forum Theatre – using theatre to explore people’s real experiences and stories

  • Image Theatre – using still images to explore our feelings and experiences.

  • Elements of Transactional Analysis – such as Parent/Adult/Child roles and the Drama Triangle; looking at victim, persecutor, and rescuer roles. The way that these affect our thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

  • Elements of neuroscience – understanding our brains and nervous systems.

  • Group Contracting – to provide a safe non-judgemental space.

  • Many fun games – to make us laugh and smile and release endorphins.

Meet the Team.

Deri Morgan

Deri manages the Amethyst project as well as Small World Theatre’s youth programmes including Ieuenctid Byd Bach and ArtsBoost. Prior to setting up Amethyst, Deri Morgan worked with the Amber project in Cardiff and Theatr Forum Cymru. Deri is near completing 4-year training course in Transactional Analysis and brings these techniques to her role.

Hannah Rackham

Youth worker extraordinaire! Hannah is an extremely skilled, experienced facilitator. Her 28 years as a youth worker using forum theatre techniques to support young people is valued across Amethyst’s programmes.

Faye Brightman

Faye works with young people in Amethyst regular sessions and IBB youth theatre groups. She is also lead facilitator with the LGBTQ+ GLOW group.

Florence Jackson

Flow works with the Amethyst regular Monday Group and co-facilitates therapeutic art classes and DJ sessions with young people.

Jess Allen

Jess’ career as an aerial circus performer, trainer and facilitator working with vulnerable young people, makes her perfect to lead Uplifting Aerial sessions at Small World Theatre.

Associates and advisors

Glenn Newman

Independent Systemic Psychotherapist and Trainer, Glenn facilitates supervisory support meetings for the Amethyst team.