Difficult subjects and powerful messages: the power of digital storytelling
Thanks to a grant from the VCSE Mental Health Alliance (Open Minds Northumberland) Digital Voice was able to deliver our DigitalMe project for people with experience of severe mental illness in partnership with Mental Health Concern and St. George’s Hospital in Morpeth.
Julie Nicholson, our Managing Director, explains more about the DigitalMe programme:
“DigitalMe is our innovative programme which gives vulnerable groups or individuals the opportunity to share their lived experiences digitally. We target those groups who are digitally excluded for whatever reason and provide them with both the skills to convey their message and a suitable platform to disseminate it. Guided by our artists, individuals create digital avatars so that their anonymity is preserved. They then use that avatar to describe their experiences of difficult, often painful situations.”
The participants of the DigitalMe project were Peer Supporters for the NHS, using their own experiences of severe mental illness to help support others in similar circumstances. They have produced short animations around the issues of stigma and mental health, top tips for mental well-being and raising awareness of suicide.
“It’s been pretty cool, I’ve enjoyed it. I found it hard going through some of the things I’d forgotten about but it felt a bit liberating getting rid of some of the things I’ve bottled up for years.” - Participant
The digital drawing course was completed with patients at St George’s Hospital, who found the course really helped them relax and loved the creativity and quick results the drawing app gave them.
The story does not end here. Digital Voice plans to use these powerful stories as a catalyst for change in a social media campaign.
“This important work allows these survivors to affect change in not only their own lives but for others who might see their powerful stories and seek help.” - Julie Nicholson
Here is a virtual exhibition of the artwork produced by the group.
To find out how DigitalMe can work for you and your organisation please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you: https://www.digitalvoice.org.uk/contact