Shared fictional character
Participants build one group protagonist from scratch. All session work happens through that character, not through personal disclosure.
4UM THEATRE
Hot Seats
Safeguarded group role play that dismantles our inner dialogue with a view to achieving more positive outcomes.
300+
groups since 2016
5,000+
participants
2
routes: groups and individuals
12-18
week module
WHAT WE DO
We deliver the Hot Seats programme.
Since 2016, Hot Seats has reached more than 5,000 participants across 300+ groups and has been evaluated by the University of Glasgow. Most delivery has been in justice and recovery settings, including prisons, community sentence and probation groups, residential recovery, and community rehabilitation, but Hot Seats can work with any group where people need a safeguarded way to explore change.
prisonscommunity sentence groupsprobation settingsresidential recoverycommunity rehabilitationdomestic violence support groupssocial isolation groupsyouth-focused groups
SAMPLE COMMUNITY REHAB GROUP
Hot Seats working as community rehab support.
The Sample Community Rehab Group evaluation records community recovery delivery at Tron, UK, with strong participant outcomes and attendance across the module.
24
sessions delivered
25
weeks of delivery
23
active participants
286
attendances
What the evaluation records
1
Outcomes measured with SWEMWBS at start, midpoint, and end of module.
2
Outcome Star was integrated into 1:1 support alongside weekly session records.
3
Every participant in the sample community rehab group reported improved mental health, emotional wellbeing, and relationship with self.
4
The evaluation records Hot Seats as structured wellbeing and recovery support.
CCC's Hot Seats work is shaped and supported by people with lived experience, including:
1
lived experience volunteers
2
lived experience facilitators
3
a lived experience panel
4
lived experience on the CCC board
WHAT IS HOT SEATS
A structured, anonymised role play programme.
Hot Seats is typically delivered as a 12-18 week module. Groups meet weekly or bi-weekly for two-hour sessions, working through six Hot Seats with trained staff or volunteers.
There is no sharing of personal history or personal details in sessions. The group creates a fictional protagonist and does the work through character role plays, character interviews, and Inner Critic / Inner Mentor exploration.
No previous experience is needed. The point is a safe structure for mental wellbeing, recovery, and better decisions beyond the room.
THE SIX HOT SEATS
Each theme gives the group a safeguarded way to dismantle inner dialogue and move toward more positive outcomes.
1
ACE Score
2
Substance Use & Harmful Behaviour
3
Relationships
4
Physical & Mental Health
5
Life Foundations
6
Future Self
Anonymity protocol
There is no sharing personal history or personal details in sessions. No one reveals whether material is lived experience or fiction.
Inner Critic and Inner Mentor
Role plays and interviews include Inner Critic and Inner Mentor work, helping people dismantle negative inner dialogue and practise better choices.
HOT SEATS IN PRACTICE
A look at Hot Seats as group work, with real room-based images, sample flyers, and evaluation evidence.
Role play in the room
Tron sample flyer
Recovery group sample
Justice setting sample
Dumbarton recovery sample
JOIN
Hot Seats is both group work and individual work.
Individuals
Join Hot Seats as an individual.
For individuals who want Hot Seats support outside a live group, including daily check-ins and back-office support.
Groups
Set up Hot Seats for a group.
For groups and host organisations. Includes facilitator training, session materials, support, and a licence to deliver one Hot Seats group.
CONTACT
Interested hosting, attending, or delivering?
Email 4UM to discuss Hot Seats, book a taster, or ask about group delivery.
T: 07738 763 869
E: info@4umtheatre.org
1192 Rochdale Road
Manchester
United Kingdom
@4umtheatre