THERE were no creative difficulties for a group of disabled actors breaking down their barriers to employment in the Wyvern Theatre last week.

Delays Possible was the name of the production put together by the Working Arts group, which was made up of 15 participants who suffer with physical and learning difficulties in day-to-day life.

The group is managed by Reach Inclusive Arts and its arts project manager Helen Whelehan, who oversaw a project which started in June.

She said: “This has been along the lines of a lot of the projects we have done. We use drama to provide means of being able to explore issues and problems you may have, in a safe way.

“This project is about employment skills. We are looking at people who are quite a long way from being able to gain work, either voluntary or paid.

“They’re needing to gain confidence to offer something to the workplace. Though they have disabilities, that shouldn’t preclude them feeling they have every right to take their place in the employment world.”

The drama group consisted of mainly 20 to 30-year-olds, with a mix of acting experience between them.

An audience of at least 50 was there to watch their work, in a studio at the Wyvern on Thursday, where the personal challenges each participant had faced in life were explored.

“They have gained huge confidence and feel very proud of themselves,” said Helen.

“We do know one participant who gained the confidence to go and take an academic course at college.

“They feel they might not have done that before this.

“This has opened their eyes to the fact the future didn’t have to be restricted, it could be large.

“If you feel as though you’re turned away or something hasn’t worked, you should know there is nothing to stop you trying again.”

The project came together with the assistance of a great number of volunteers, including a team from international firm Threadneedle Investments, who helped with refreshments and setting up on the day.

It was funded by the Southwest community Foundation with money from the European Union Social Fund and the Skills Funding Agency.

l For more information on the work Reach does, visit its website www.reachinclusivearts.org.uk