The company of Don't Mention the Gorilla are just about to publish an anthology of creative writing. Next season we will produce a series of short films, in the season after, a full length (potentially touring) theatre production. This project works with adults who have lived experience of mental health to nurture life skills and artistic talent, also providing several high profile platforms for the group to raise awareness and challenge public misconceptions/stigma around mental ill health.

Following our successful pilot project in 2011, We have now secured half of the funding we need to deliver an ambitious three year continuation/expansion of 'Don't Mention the Gorilla!'. The Big Lottery fund have agreed to invest in this work, on the condition that we raise the rest of the money needed ourselves. We've achieved this for the 1st year of the project, and are soon to publish an anthology of creative writing as a result. However, we still need your help to secure the next phases!

As a result of the pilot programme, over 70% of participants progressed onto new training, volunteering and work placements. several of them also were able to re-establish their lives away from primary care institutions and regain their sense of purpose and identity beyond their 'mental health labels'. If you would like to know more about these stories, please visit our website or order their book, which charts their journey and is a great example for what is to come in this year's DMTG revival!