We often get asked questions about the company and the work we
do. The most popular questions are listed below. Click on a question
to get the answer.
If your question is not answered here, please e-mail
us at arts@mind-the-gap.org.uk.
Q:
What does Mind the Gap do?
Q: Where did the
name come from?
Q: Why does Mind the Gap work with the people it
does?
Q: What are the correct terms
to use?
Q: Who decides what the
company does?
Q: Is Mind the Gap a therapeutic organisation?
Q: How can people on disability
benefits get paid?
Q: How can we involve Mind the Gap in our activities?
Q: How do I arrange a visit to Mind the Gap?
Q: How can I get in involved with Mind the Gap?
What does Mind the Gap do?
Mind the Gap is a theatre company. We produce high quality theatre
that is entertaining and provocative. We also run accredited training
programmes and drama opportunities for people excluded from mainstream
arts activities.
Where did the name come from?
Tim Wheeler and Susan Brown, co-founders
of the company, were travelling on the London Underground. They
were trying to think of a good name
for the company they wanted to set up. As they reached Bank Station
on the Northern Line, Tim said, "what shall we be called"
?
The train doors opened and a voice said "mind the gap" and
there it was, the perfect name at the perfect time.
Seven seconds later and we would have been called "stand
clear of the doors please!"
Why does Mind the Gap work with the people
it does?
Mind the Gap works mainly with people with learning disabilities
who have little or no access to mainstream arts activities.
We believe that everyone should be entitled to develop their skills,
knowledge and experience of the arts to allow them to express themselves.
We also believe that mainstream arts organisations should become
more accessible so we try to develop work that helps inclusion
of all people.
Back to questions >
What are the correct terms to use?
Most people with learning disabilities
prefer to be referred to as:
People with learning disabilities (a person with a learning
disability or a learning disabled person) or People with
learning difficulties
(a person with learning difficulties)
Who decides what the company
does?
All members of the company including the students, parents,
carers and friends have a say in what Mind the Gap does. Ideas
for projects
and programmes can come from anywhere at any time.
Most of the student performance projects are devised and the national
touring work is usually new adaptations of classic texts.
As a limited company and a charity, we have a board of directors.
They are unpaid and are responsible for making sure that the organisation
runs effectively and efficiently. They employ an Artistic Director
and Administrative Director.
The company has regular board meetings and requests reports and
action to be taken on behalf of the company.
We also bid for funding and sometimes funders require the company
to do things in return for their funding.
Is Mind the Gap a therapeutic
organisation?
No. The staff at Mind
the Gap are trained in theatre and are not trained as therapists.
The company focuses on the arts as a form
of employment, education and recreation.
Back to questions >
How can people on disability
benefits get paid?
This is perhaps the most complicated area that
we are involved in. We believe that people with a learning disability
should
be paid a living wage for the work they do.
In the past we have found ways to negotiate the benefits system in
order to pay people for the work they do without jeopardising their
long-term entitlements. There is no one answer to this question
as each case is dealt with individually.
How can we involve Mind the
Gap in our activities?
If you want Mind the Gap to get involved
in your project, contact us with all the details and we will
get in touch to arrange
a meeting. Please note: we need as much advance notice as possible.
We charge for the work that we do with other organisations
so it is important that you contact us to find out
the costs before you make any plans or funding requests.
How do I arrange
a visit to Mind the Gap?
Contact us to organise a visit. We need
at least four weeks notice of a visit so that we can meet and
greet you properly.
Back to questions >
How can I get in involved with Mind the Gap?
There are many different
ways to get involved with Mind the Gap. You could join one of
our training courses, take part in or
host a work placement or get a job with
us. Contact
us for further information.
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