Stories from our community: a new project takes shape

Thanks to funding from The Space, we’ve been able to bring this idea to life. The project began with Michelle meeting with a random selection of visitors to the Centre and talking to them about their backgrounds and experiences. These initial conversations were very inspiring as people spoke candidly about their challenges, hopes, and joys. There was also a post box in reception where anyone could leave a note describing three things about themselves and three things they love about the Centre.

This week, with help from a professional sound engineer, Christina and Michelle recorded interviews with Centre staff, volunteers and visitors. They had a selection of people record the words that had been written on the post box slips too. Then the sound engineer captured some of the hubbub in the centre, as well as birdsong at the community allotment.

The next phase of the project will be to edit these sounds and interviews into shorter recordings which will form a playlist, to be released on Spotify later this year. The playlist will offer a peek into the varied and interesting lives of our community. We think that there will be something for everyone as the conversations cover childhood, disability, illness, fitness, bereavement and retirement amongst other things.

We’re planning to make the playlist accessible through QR codes printed on cups in Dottie’s Community Kitchen and on paper bags for produce from the community fridge and allotment. When you scan the code with your smartphone, the playlist will be available for you to listen to. There will be a tablet available in reception for anyone who wants to listen but doesn’t have a smartphone.

We’re really grateful to everyone who has participated so far, and look forward to sharing these incredible stories with you soon.