On the Edge: a drama-based mental health education programme on early psychosis for schools

Aims: On the Edge is a mental health education programme designed to support early intervention by increasing knowledge and understanding of early psychosis, reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues and improving awareness of avenues of help. The target audience was young people aged 14-22 years in schools and colleges. Methods: An interactive drama programme was developed through collaborative working across psychiatry, applied drama and those with direct experience of psychosis. A national tour engaged 2500 students in 71 performances that took place in 51 schools and colleges. The programme was evaluated against its aims with data collected both during and after the tour. Results: Quantitative and qualitative evaluation found significant gains with respect to all three aims. Thirty-one schools developed supportive links with local mental health services. Conclusions: This programme shows the value and effectiveness of delivering health education on early psychosis through the medium of applied drama, and offers a model for a programme that can be incorporated into early intervention services. Lessons learned through delivering this programme are a valuable contribution towards future developments of mental health education programmes for schools.