Originally developed by Graffiti Theatre Company, this workshop is a creative communications and resilience experience rooted in storytelling. Shane draws on his own life experiences, including the journey behind the making of The Young Offenders, sharing his story with honesty, warmth and humour. He speaks candidly about becoming an early school leaver due to a misunderstanding in 5th year, using this experience as a powerful starting point for discussion around communication and self-belief. 

While the workshop carries a strong mental health subtext, Shane is clear that he is not a mental health practitioner. Instead, he offers a personal perspective on how he navigates challenging situations, encouraging open conversation and creative engagement with real-life issues. A key strength of the workshop lies in its high level of engagement. Shane’s presence as a working actor — someone many students already know — acts as a “shock to the system” in a positive way, breaking from the routine of school life and immediately capturing attention. 

This creative approach helps students connect more openly with the themes being explored. Delivered in a light-hearted and relatable manner, the workshop touches on topics such as misunderstanding, friendship, communication, grief and resilience. 

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.