Welcome to our weekly Storytelling Highlights. Here we share our weekly dose of things we’ve spotted that are great examples of storytelling. This is a list of things we’ve seen, heard or read about in the worlds of charity communications and digital storytelling and would like to share with you. A quick reminder that you can subscribe to our Being the Story YouTube channel to watch all our powerful talks and do continue to share them with your networks. Back to the highlights- you know the drill, make yourself a cup of tea, grab a pair of headphones and enjoy.
1. Prison, My Parents and Me
Made by the brilliant production company TrueVision for Children in Need ‘Prison, My Parents & Me’ is a new documentary giving us insight into what it’s like to be the child of a prisoner. From the point of view of the children, we learn of how restrictions on visiting and contact can effect the children’s wellbeing. It was an authentic and thought-provoking documentary putting a spotlight on the challenges faced by these children which are largely unknown to many of us, well worth a watch.
2. After Cathy
Wednesday marked the 50th anniversary of Ken Loach’s seminal Cathy Come Home. Over the past year it has been marked in numerous ways, and on Tuesday BBC Radio 4 broadcast a documentary After Cathy sharing the stories of three individuals who became homeless. Those involved came from all different walks of life, one was a successful businessman, one a teacher with two children and one a singer struggling with alcoholism. Cathy Come Home is also currently available to watch on iplayer, marking 50 years since its original release
3. Dwaynamics
This week Being the Story speaker Pastor Lorraine Jones shared her story and the story of Dwaynamics with BBC News Magazine. Lorraine founded community boxing organisation Dwaynamics to continue the legacy of her son who was tragically killed whilst trying to peace-keep on Angell Town Estate, their home. Lorraine talks about the continuing prevalence of gang-culture and knife crime on the estate and beyond and how her network of boxing instructors are engaging with young people to give them the skills and motivation to make positive choices. You can watch her share her story in our Being the Story video, do subscribe to the channel, too.
4. Santa Forgot
We think Alzheimer’s Research’s Christmas video is one of the best we’ve seen yet. Santa Forgot animated by Wallis and Gromit creators Aardman Animation share the story of Santa who developed Alzheimer’s Disease and started to forget to bring a little girl her gifts. The powerful take-home message – if Santa does have a disease research can find a way to fix it. It’s been deemed so sad that its only being broadcast on television after 9pm! Watch it here:
5. Mind Award Winners
On Monday night mental health charity Mind held its annual media awards, celebrating responsible and constructive reporting on mental health issues. It brought together those with firsthand experience who have been sharing their stories and the people and organisations that advocate for them. Amongst the winners were Professor Green who was awarded the Make A Difference Award. Thanks to individuals like him great strides have been made in challenging the stigma around mental illness, but of course there is still progress to be made. See the full list of winners here.
Added Extras:
Bedlam at The Wellcome Collection, a look in to approaches and attitudes to mental health then and now.
Google has promised everyone in the UK free digital training.
Do keep us updated with what you think I should be finding out more about.
And if you like what you read – do help us by sharing it and spreading the word
Jude and Helena the sounddelivery team
@sounddelivery
The Social Media Exchange returns on Monday 6th February at Resource for London, follow #SMEX17 on Twitter for updates. Early-Birds are available until December 1st so book your place now to be part of a practical and interactive day of digital storytelling skills.
