Drama project helps Tameside students understand healthy relationships

A hard-hitting theatre production is touring Tameside schools to help young people understand, question and challenge violence against women and girls (VAWG).

Blind Side, a monologue created by Breaking Barriers and commissioned by Tameside Council and Tameside Police, returned to secondary schools throughout November and will reach primary schools in April. The performance follows the story of teenager Summer, who navigates controlling behaviour, hurtful comments and unhealthy relationships, experiences that mirror the real voices of young people across the borough. The script was shaped through interviews with 1,000 Tameside children, ensuring the production reflects genuine attitudes, pressures and concerns.

Each performance is followed by a facilitated discussion, giving pupils the opportunity to explore key themes such as peer pressure, healthy relationships and harmful behaviour. Young audiences are encouraged to share their thoughts on the storyline and consider how the issues raised might appear in real life. A pre-film also introduces VAWG topics in a safe and age-appropriate way, preparing students for open and honest conversations.

The secondary school tour coincided with the global 16 Days of Action and supported the White Ribbon campaign, which urges men and boys to challenge sexist attitudes and behaviours and take an active stance against gender-based violence.

Cllr Taf Sharif, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Health and Equalities, praised the initiative and the impact it has on young audiences. He said: “It’s inspiring to see the production visiting schools once again this year so we can share the important message with as many young people as possible in an age-appropriate way. What’s striking is to see how engaged the students are and how they truly listen to the meaning of the production. These conversations can’t be left to adulthood; young people deserve the knowledge and confidence to recognise healthy relationships and call out what isn’t right.

“Our young people are the future. By shaping positive attitudes around healthy relationships and gender equality we can help to eliminate gender-based violence. Thank you to Breaking Barriers and the schools involved for making this possible.”

For support or advice, visit www.tameside.gov.uk/domesticabuse.

To learn more about the White Ribbon campaign, go to www.whiteribbon.org.uk.