ECL Colchester Crafty Drama
ECL Crafty Drama is a fun, energetic and friendly performing arts group that creates a supportive environment for people with learning disabilities and/or autism. We’re all about helping you shine—building independence, confidence, and self-esteem through creativity and connection.
Tel: 0333 013 5438
- Mon - Fri : 8:30 - 16:30
- Sat - Sun : Closed
About us
ECL Crafty Drama is a popular performing arts group. We love all things singing, dancing, and acting!
We are an entirely inclusive drama group that gives adults with learning disabilities the chance to learn social, communication, motor, and life skills through the use of sign language, music, dance, and drama.
Performing arts doesn't mean that everyone has to be on stage, for individuals who prefer to be creative behind the scenes there are plenty of opportunities to make costumes, build sets, and create props.
We listen closely to the people we support, holding regular customer meetings to make sure their wishes are heard and needs are met. We offer annual reviews with families—or sooner if preferred—to keep everyone involved and informed.
We were awarded ‘Highly Commended’ in the People's Category of The Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards 2022, for making a difference to the lives of the customers they support.
The drama group is based at St Botolph's church in Colchester from Monday to Thursday, and on a Friday we join the activities at the day centre at ECL Colchester - Woodlands. You can find out more here: ECL Colchester - Woodlands Day Centre.
I love coming to Crafty Drama! I have made loads of friends and good fun. Since coming here my confidence has grown - it's through the roof now!
Joe, Crafty Drama customer
An important part of ECL drama is promoting diversity and community inclusion. We aim to do one big production and several smaller performances in a year, to which the general public, as well as family and friends are invited.
Our performances are a regular feature at Colchester's Culver Square, we volunteer our help with the drama workshops at the Mersea Island Festival, and have performed at the Picnic In The Priory in front of the Mayor and Mayoress of Colchester.
Our customers are also offered a choice of community activities to build independence skills, gain confidence, and extend friendships at ECL Colchester (Woodlands) day centre on a Friday.
When we are not either performing or volunteering our services in the community you can find us at St Botolph's church in Colchester from Monday to Thursday, and at the day centre at ECL Colchester - Woodlands on a Friday.
During this time we are reading scripts, rehearsing our lines and dance routines, brushing up our makaton sign language, and making costumes and props.
You can even work towards gaining an ASDAN qualification in Performing Arts which recognises your achievements.
We can support customers with a diverse range of support needs; including those with learning disabilities, autism, communication difficulties, and health requirements such as epilepsy. We can provide 1:1 care in line with a person's needs and care plan.
St Botolph's church has wheelchair access and a disabled bathroom, but unfortunately does not have hoists, transferring equipment, or changing facilities so we are unable to provide personal care to those needing hoisting or transferring with equipment.
We can offer expert care for people on modified diets or need enteral feeding.
Our dedicated staff team have a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience within care to help every individual meet their daily aims and objectives. They receive training appropriate to the customers they are supporting and includes:
- Dysphagia
- Enteral feeding
- Moving and handling
- Autism
- Studio 3 (low arousal behaviour management strategy)
- Active Support
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy with Buccal Training
- Makaton
We will review your progress and needs on a regular basis, involving your family and support network where that is appropriate.
We are able to refer to our in-house clinicians, consisting of Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, and Positive Behaviour Support specialists for clinical guidance.
At ECL we work with you to identify your goals and put together a tailored plan unique to you. One of our team will assess the level of support you need, and prices will be based on the recommendations, along with how many sessions you would like to attend.
I love the variety of the work we do, seeing the customers growing in confidence and making friends
Jane Woodwards, Crafty Drama Support Worker
Meet the Service Manager
Fiona is the Day Operations Manager at Crafty Drama, bringing over six years of experience within ECL. Her journey began as a Support Worker, followed by roles as Team Leader and then Manager.
Before joining ECL, Fiona owned a restaurant, where she developed a love for connecting with people from all walks of life—a passion that continues to shape her approach to care and team management.
She has completed several professional development courses, including a Level 3 in Training and Education, a Mental Health First Aid course, and is now studying for her Level 5 in Operations Management.
Find us
Address:
- St Botolph's Church Walk
- Colchester
- Essex
- CO2 7EE
Still got more questions?
Click below to enquire and a member of our expert team will be happy to assist you.