Hijinx, one of Europe’s leading inclusive theatre companies, has launched a new interactive training programme. BEYOND WORDS isdesigned to enhance communication and accessibility across the events and hospitality sector.
With thanks to funding from Welsh Government through Event Wales, this bespoke training aims to improve how events teams interact with people with learning disabilities and autism, creating more inclusive and welcoming experiences at events across Wales and beyond. The training will run across Wales during February and March with places now available for organisations to book their places on the programme.
Through dynamic role-play, drama exercises, and group discussions with Hijinx actors and facilitators, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to adapt their communication styles to suit the diverse needs of attendees and create a more inclusive environment.
It is estimated that 1 in 100 people in Wales are autistic and there are 54,000 adults with a learning disability.
These training sessions are designed for managers who want to better understand the challenges faced by people with learning disabilities and autism and to learn how to help their teams provide more inclusive support. It is also aimed at frontline teams who regularly engage with the public in events settings including those working in venues such as sports, arts, tourism and culture as well as local authority events teams and event management companies.
Over the years, Hijinx has won numerous awards for its training and has helped hundreds of teams across the public, private, and third sectors improve their confidence and ability to communicate effectively with people with learning disabilities and autism. These sessions will boost the skills and confidence of event teams, ensuring greater equity and inclusion for individuals who often face barriers to participation and enjoyment.
Tash Smith, Director of Customer Experience at Frontrunner Events attended the pilot session for the training and told us…..
“The Beyond Words training was so impactful, a good balance of healthy discussion, alongside group activities and the Hijinx actors performing forum theatre. It allowed us to consider how even making the smallest changes will help to make our events more accessible. Following the training we are beginning to put changes in place to what we do and what we offer.”
The Beyond Words training programme will take place at the following locations: Cardiff (National Sports Centre) on 10 February and 4 March, Wrexham (Ty Pawb) on 21 February, and Carmarthen (Yr Egin) on 18 March. An additional session will be held in Mid-Wales, with the exact date to be confirmed shortly. Attendance for the one-day course is £25 per person for small organisations with fewer than 25 colleagues and £75 per person for larger organisations. A limited number of free places will be available for people for whom cost is a barrier.
Eloise Tong, Chief Executive of Hijinx added….
“We are delighted to be developing and delivering this bespoke training for the events sector. The intention is to build confidence and empower the events industry to create truly accessible and inclusive events that are open to all. Thanks to Events Wales and the Sector Development Fund for enabling Hijinx to develop this programme. We truly believe it will lead to lasting change in how events are run in the future.”
Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership in Wales, Jack Sargeant, said….
“Creating true inclusivity starts with understanding and connection. Hijinx’s innovative training programme will be a powerful step towards ensuring that every individual who wants to take part in the creative arts is welcomed and valued. “I recently sat in on a Hijinx session, and it was great to see the real, on-the-ground outcomes that Welsh Government funding provides, and to see the opportunities it offers to support people to fully participate and to feel they belong.”
Further details on Hijinx’s business training services are available HERE.
