#mhTV episode 144 - Empathy machines - Using theatres to support learning in Mental Health

Welcome to episode 144 [originally broadcast on Wednesday 29 November 2023] of #mhTV​​​​​​​​. This week Nicky Lambert and David Munday spoke with guests Pete Carruthers, Dr Anne Felton & Prof Mick McKeown about Empathy machines - Using theatres to support learning in Mental Health. PC: Pete Carruthers is the founder and artistic director of tree fish productions. He has worked as a writer, director, actor and producer for 15 years, working on a wide range of theatre and film projects. He is also undertaking a PhD at UCLan’s School of Nursing and Midwifery. His thesis title is ‘Empathy Machines: Using theatre and film in the training of compassionate and reflective health professionals.' Pete’s play, ‘The Possibility of Colour’, has been created over 15 years with input from mental health professionals, academics, students and experts by experience. Thanks to funding from UCLan and Health Education England, 1,350 student nurses were given the opportunity to watch the play and take part in post-show discussions during the first touring production of the play in November and December 2022. Attending these events counted as official practice hours towards their nurse training. A national tour is planned for 2025. Pete is now co-developing a one-week theatre and film based simulated practice learning experience for student nurses, with support from NHS England and several universities. Pete has also written, produced and directed award-winning short films that have been used globally to raise awareness and understanding of mental health and neurodiversity. One film, ‘Fallout’ has been used to raise awareness and train staff in 9 different countries across 5 continents and was described by Sir Patrick Stewart as ‘extremely powerful’. AF: Dr Anne Felton is the Head of the Institute of Health and Allied Professions at Nottingham Trent University, UK. Anne is a registered mental health nurse and began her nursing career promoting recovery approaches for people with long term mental health problems in the community. Sh