A BRAND NEW COURSE IS TEACHING MEMBERS HOW TO TELL A STORY TO A WIDE RANGE OF AUDIENCES. BUT THE BENEFITS ARE SO MUCH GREATER THAN SIMPLY BEING ABLE TO TALK IN PUBLIC

The new Blesma Storytelling and Wellbeing programme is boosting Members’ confidence by helping them to hone their communication skills. The project is providing a unique opportunity for Members to learn how to structure and pace how they communicate, and the first few sessions are already paying dividends, with Members enthusing about their impact. The first sessions, which have been run both in-person and online – have taken small groups of Members through a series of exercises that have been designed to equip them with the skills, techniques and confidence to tell stories, hold conversations and connect with other people in all sorts of situations.

The power of storytelling for improved wellbeing is gathering increased scientific recognition, with research highlighting it as a trigger for the brain to release feel-good hormones such as oxytocin and suppress cortisol which influences negative moods. Being able to tell stories in an engaging way – from everyday chats to more set- piece talks – also helps people to create connections and strengthen bonds.

“Some people don’t think they have a ‘big enough’ story but it’s not about that. The sessions offer a safe space to share whatever story they feel comfortable with.

“It has really helped me,” says Colin Adamson, a former Royal Navy chef who lost his sight after an accident at work. “I often do talks to raise money for guide dogs and, after the storytelling course, I was able to alter my talk to make it more compelling. I was able to make it more personal and more human, and people really engaged with it which was very rewarding. I’m chuffed with the results.”

Colin, 49, from Horwich in Lancashire, is one of 24 Members who have attended the two pilot courses and initial six sessions in the South West and West. More courses are being arranged around the country for 2024.

The initiative, which replaces the acclaimed Making Generation R (MGR) programme, involves online and in-person workshops that guide Members in how to use language, their voice and energy to express themselves. The workshops range from three hours online to a full-day in person with no long-term commitment required and, unlike MGR, there is no public presentation element. It is being run by The Drive Project, the team behind the award-winning MGR that enabled 110 Members to tell their stories of resilience to youth audiences.

 “The programme aims to improve people’s confidence, wellbeing and self-esteem, but we also want to allow people to be creative and share their stories,” says Tuesday Critchfield, Project Manager for The Drive Project. “Through stories, we find out so much about people, and that helps build really strong connections. We found in the pilot that, within a very short time, we knew so much about individuals just by the stories that they were sharing.

“The sessions offer an introduction to storytelling – what makes a good story, tips and tricks to become more engaging – and the Members meet two professional storytellers, who are very different in their style and delivery, to pick up more skills.

WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM IT?

“The end result will be different for everybody as some want to write their life story, others want to support their public speaking, and others just want to be creative and learn skills that will give them confidence and be better able to communicate with others.

“Everyone will come to this wanting to get something different out of it but they may come out with unexpected benefits as well. The main thing we want to achieve is to build confidence and wellbeing, and improve social inclusion.”

Storytelling experts and Drive Project staff run the workshops, with the venues chosen for their creative appeal. The team has used the Norwegian Church in Cardiff, where Roald Dahl worshipped, as well as the Paintworks in Bristol’s creative quarter, and the Theatre Royal, Plymouth.

“Members get to experience different styles and techniques, with opportunities to play around with stories and share them if they feel comfortable,” adds Tuesday. “It is not the same as MGR and there is no requirement for public speaking. We want to take people out of their comfort zones a bit so they can get new experiences, but Members will not have to do anything they are not comfortable with.

“Some people don’t think they have a ‘big enough’ story but it’s not about that. The sessions offer a safe space to share whatever story they feel comfortable with. “We have had a huge range: one Member shared a hilarious story about his grandmother which told us so much about him and his family life, another talked about their experience of injury, while another just spoke about their journey to the workshop that day.

“This is a new programme that is open to all Members. There’s something for everyone, whether you are new to storytelling or have previous experience, and Members who have taken part in MGR are also very welcome to sign up.

“It is so varied and everyone learns from each other. The feedback has been great and we are looking forward to extending this with more sessions that will be open to the entire Blesma membership.”

WORKSHOPS WILL BE TAKING PLACE ACROSS THE MIDLANDS ON THE FOLLOWING DATES

WORKSHOP 1 INTRODUCTION TO STORYTELLING

An introduction to storytelling and all that is involved, with the aim of finding out what makes a good story.

In person: Wednesday 21 February / Online: Friday 23 February

WORKSHOP 2 MEET THE STORYTELLERS

Your chance to meet and learn from professional storytellers and experience a wonderful storytelling performance.

In person: Friday 01 March / Online: Saturday 09 March

WORKSHOP 3 EXPLORE YOUR SENSES

How can your senses lead to stories? In the third and final workshop in this season, tap into memories to prompt and reveal the stories held within. We understand that not everyone has access to all their senses, and the exercises will reflect individuals’ accessibility.

In person: Wednesday 20 March / Online: Wednesday 13 March

If you would like to attend any of these classes, either in person or online, please register your interest by emailing activities@blesma.org