We’ve partnered with the Foundation Dajemy Dzieciom Siłę, which runs a 24-hour, free helpline for children and teenagers, for the premiere of the musical “Heathers” (September 7 & 8). Why?
“Heathers” takes place in a high school, it is a story about high school students and their problems, including school bullying, depression, finding one’s own identity. The play turned out to be a hit in London’s West End for several years, and became a cult musical among British teenagers. Although the rehearsals for “Heathers” in the Syrena Theatre don’t start until mid-April, most of the tickets for the premiere set in September are already sold out. We’re seeing enormous interest about the title on our Facebook, Instagram and TikTok accounts, especially among young viewers.
In response to this interest, during the promotion of the musical we want to inform about the helpline for children and teenagers ran by the Foundation Dajemy Dzieciom Siłę. The telephone number will be included in every online post about “Heathers”, on the poster and in the printed program of the play. Materials prepared by the foundation and indicating where young people in mental crisis can seek help will be available in Syrena.
For several years, the media have been reporting on the deteriorating mental condition of young Poles, the collapse of child psychiatry, and the growing number of suicide attempts among minors. We hope that thanks to our cooperation with the foundation, people who need help will get a chance to learn where to look for it.
Additionally, we want to remind everyone that the Syrena Theatre, together with therapists from the Foundation Drama Way and actors from the group TERAZ POLIŻ, organizes free workshops titled “Hey_You!” about preventing hate speech. The classes have been held regularly since 2021. At first, they were addressed to secondary schools, and this year we adapted their program also to meet the needs of primary school pupils (grades 6-8).
Information about the helpline for children and adolescents:
We all have bad days. Everyone needs support from time to time. Everyone deserves it.
If you are experiencing something difficult and want to look for solutions together with a kind person who will listen to you and not judge you – use the helpline for children and teenagers: 116 111. You can talk to specialists at 116 111 or write to them using a chat or a form available on the website 116111.pl. It’s anonymous, free of charge, available 24 hours a day, confidential!
