Digital Voice response to Covid-19
Delivering creative Digital Media projects remotely
In response to the current public health crisis, Digital Voice has speedily reshaped the courses and programmes on offer to run them virtually, so that we can continue to support, safely, the most disadvantaged people in society. The projects are doing really well! – and we’re delighted to be working with so many enthusiastic participants and partner organisations!
GeoStories: Chopwell Memories
The Chopwell Memories project has had a great deal of engagement. It is the continuation of last year’s successful project – Chopwell Past and Present. Its Facebook group shares photos and memories, that Digital Voice turns into digital stories. In the first four weeks, it had huge engagement and over 370 followers.
DigiTale: Red Star Reports
The people of Chopwell and Blackhall Mill are being supported to create newsletter articles and video bulletins about life and the community in the lockdown. You can see what they have done so far on the Facebook page @redstarreports and the YouTube channel. Many more report are in the pipeline!
LifeBooks: recording our lives during lockdown
A virtual version of this service has been developed to help people – particularly older people and their families – to create a digital record of their lives. Lifebooks are one of our most popular services across the North East, and are especially valuable at this time of lockdown.
PhotoClub: isolation diaries
Our regular PhotoClub group in Newcastle has launched a project called Isolation Diaries, asking people to take photos of their lives in lockdown and send them with diary entries, which Digital Voice is collating for an online exhibition - Seen here PhotoClub Isolation Diaries
Virtual DigitalMe with vulnerable children
A virtual version of DigitalMe will work with vulnerable children and their families to raise their self esteem and support them to express their feelings while in lockdown.
DigitalMe: school uniforms campaign
A group of young women activists working with Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland are being supported to create short pieces for their campaign using the award-winning DigitalMe process. Digital Voice is working with them remotely – even the sound is being recorded online!
iSkills: disabled video makers supported online
People with disabilities are creating video content with Digital Voice support, which is edited into weekly bulletins. We create appropriate resources to help with engagement and creation via zoom.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner research: victim attrition rates
The PCC has commissioned Digital Voice for Communities to research why victims pull out of testifying in court, known as attrition.
The DV team will interview victims of crime online, to help understand why they decide not to testify against perpetrators. The results will improve understanding of how to better support victims so they feel confident to seek justice. Digital Voice was selected after excellent feedback on its work with survivors of abuse, supporting them in an informal non-judgemental way to tell their stories
InTouch: online inclusion with West End Newcastle
Our online digital inclusion programme is now being offered through a Facebook page. West End Newcastle inTouch supports peoples to connect, create and stay safe online.
DevicesDotNow: distributing free iPads
Digital Voice is receiving 20 iPads from this charity to distribute to the most vulnerable in Tyneside.- those who have no device or internet already installed at home, to the scheme makes the lockdown period more manageable and less stressful for people who have no devices or internet by allowing them to connect with family and friends and the outside world in general! DV is working in partnership with local charities to ensure the tablets go to the most in need. We are seeking funds to run virtual support sessions to help the recipients to get the best from their devices.
Interested in working with us? We’d love to hear from you!