A theatre group for adults with learning disabilities recently took part in a four-day theatre encounter in Newcastle, UK, where they were exposed to the possibilities of independent living.

The group, made up of seven performers and five carers and set up by the St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity, met English and Belgian counterparts as part of a two-year European project called Opening Doors, supported by the EU's Grundtvig life-long learning programme.

During the stay, the group took part in theatre workshops, visited the city and performed their devised theatre show in the town of Blyth.

Theatre facilitator Louise Ghirlando, who led the group, said it was a "successful experience", which made participants "aware of the possibilities of independence in their daily routines that society normally has them believe are unattainable".

Other group members will be busy devising new performances that will be given during the next festival in Belgium in April.

The project is aimed at creating opportunities for adults with learning disabilities to take part in cultural and creative activities, encouraging a positive perception of learning disabilities and raising awareness of the contribution they can make to society.