Storytelling for life

The very first of our Community Heroes in the Spotlight is the intergenerational storytelling project, Truth Be Told, a Poole charity founded by professional storyteller, Gemma Gillard, in January 2019. The idea is to bring the hope, the joy, and the light of the local churches into care homes where these things are much needed – especially during these challenging times.

The intergenerational storytelling project connects churches with local families and care homes. The charity provides churches across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole with resources, training and the support they need to launch within their community.

According to studies care home residents are twice as likely to feel severely lonely than older people living in the community. This is even more prevalent during the pandemic with care home residents missing human interaction and their loved ones due to isolating since the beginning of the first national lockdown in March 2020.

Here at CAN we love the fact that Truth Be Told didn’t turn their back when faced with the COVID-19 challenge. Instead, they transformed their regular meetings where everyone comes together within care home’s lounge for storytelling activities to zoom sessions or to sessions outside when the weather permits.

Truth Be Told aims to improve the mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of everyone involved, regardless the age, by bringing everyone together through interactive stories and songs. Gemma explains. “The residents really come to life when there’s children around and it’s well researched that children, music and animals can really help those suffering with dementia”.

Listen here to Gemma who spoke more about Truth be Told and the amazing work they do on Hope FM with Blair Crawford and our Partnerships Manager, Emma Lee.

• You can also find more information about Truth be Told and how you can get involved at truthbetold.org.uk