2022 Shortlisted Nominee
Community Organisation Award: Disability
The Mushroom Theatre Company (MTC) was set up in 2004 with the intention of promoting the benefits of the performing arts, alongside the aim of creating a fully inclusive Theatre Company for the community. All of their classes and shows are integrated. MTC aims to promote and encourage each student to achieve their full potential in a totally inclusive, safe and happy environment. Their ‘Buddy’ system pairs older students to ‘help’ the SEND children to access all the activities, making sure they understand, and assisting them to manage their behaviour. This has a two-fold effect: the disabled students receive peer attention and friendship which is often denied to them, and the non-disabled ‘Buddy’ receives non-judgmental friendship, which boosts their self-esteem. MTC has raised awareness in the local community and beyond, enabling children and young adults with and without additional needs to work together in a friendly, safe environment.