Encouraging young people to stop flushing wet wipes
Overview
Working in collaboration with United Utilities to produce a Theatre in Education programme that inspires young people to stop flushing wet wipes down the toilet. As well as, raise awareness and encourage participation in the 2019 Vlogstars competition.
Solution
‘Think before you flush’ is an innovative, fun high energy theatre performance and follow-on workshop for students in year 7 and 8. The 50 minute programme encompasses humour, music and multimedia to engage and inspire young people to stop flushing wet wipes down the toilet, helping to reduce blockages and sewer flooding to homes, gardens, rivers and beaches.
The programme consists of three main elements;
- A contemporary performance
- Interactive workshop
- Competition entry into UUVlogstars 2019
With an increase of knowledge on the negative impact of wet wipes, Gibber actively encouraged students to create a vlog to express what they had learnt and enter the United Utilities competition; Vlogstars 2019. Explaining the basics on how to film, interesting content and signposting them to teachers for submission details.
“Great energetic performance, perfectly pitched to engage the students on the topic of wet wipe disposal. Thank you.”
Rosie Cole, Teacher, St. Bees School
Results
Over 3000 Year 7 and 8 students across the North West took part in the programme during November and December 2018.
100% of teachers questioned rate the performance positively.
100% of students questioned rate the performance positively.
100% of teachers questioned would like ‘Think before you flush’ repeated in the future.
99% of students questioned stated drama / performance is a good way to learn.
“We’ve really enjoyed working with Gibber. It’s been a solid partnership and we’re delighted with the results. The workshops were creative and engaging, well-received by the schools.
We can clearly see the impact of the workshops on the vlog entries that we received. The theme of ‘think before you flush’ has been cleverly instilled into entertaining and fun workshops.
Your support before during and after the project has been wonderful, we’ve really appreciated the sense that we’re working as a team towards the same goals. Gibber has gone above and beyond.”
Natalie Persoglio, Marketing and Research Co-ordinator, United Utilities
United Utilities received some impressive competition entries and almost 10,000 people voted for their favourite ‘Think before you flush’ vlog. You can view all the finalist submissions over on the United Utilities website.
Gibber continue to work with United Utilities to develop the program. North West schools can book a performance for 2020 delivery by emailing sarah@wearegibber.com
Theatre in education is an effective way to raise awareness of important environmental issues. If you would like to know more about how our projects work please contact us.
