Scottish business shows how puppets are helping to make the world a better place

You might be used to the idea of puppets being a lot of fun, but have you ever stopped to consider their invaluable social role? Allow us to explain...

Recently catching our eye in the news was an article in the Dundee Evening Telegraph, which reported the story of social enterprise How It Felt and its director, Deborah Chapman.

She is among the many unsung heroes in today’s society who are showing just how effectively puppetry can assist in improving lives, as her workshops help those with additional support needs to communicate through puppetry.

How did How It Felt begin?

Deborah started How It Felt as a student at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, where she created a short film that combined puppets with audio from people affected by ADHD.

The last three years have seen Deborah take training courses and other classes in mental health first aid, conditions and care. Over that time, her puppetry has transformed from a university project into a self-employed business travelling around Scotland to hold workshops.

Deborah has said about her line of work: “We have had people with autism who are not usually vocal at school or at home take part in workshops. They have taken their puppet away and lots of people have noticed a difference in their communication.

“I get quite emotional and it is really touching to know you are helping people. It is quite surreal that this has turned into my full-time job, but I do commission work too. It is always such great fun and everyone is always so creative.”

What’s your own puppetry passion?

Whether you would like to buy people hand puppets from our generously stocked online store for the first time or have already done so on many occasions, we’re sure that if you’re reading this, it’s because you have a passion for puppetry or know someone else who does!

With the finest in animal, character and people hand puppets on offer at competitive prices, as well as the likes of finger puppets, theatres, soft toys and books, Puppets By Post brings you everything that you could need to take your puppetry to new heights.

We serve the requirements of professional puppeteers, teachers, parents, guardians and simply those who are enthusiastic about all things puppetry, while also providing free postage and packaging to UK customers who spend more than £10 on one order.