Kayleigh’s Love Story, Oxfam, Impact Awards and more in our Storytelling Highlights

Happy New Year and welcome to our first Storytelling Highlights of 2017. This is where we share what we’ve seen, heard or read about and would like to share with you.  In case you missed it we were thrilled to announce our #SMEX17 keynote speaker-  award-winning writer, broadcaster and children’s rights campaigner Lemn Sissay. TicketsContinue reading "Kayleigh’s Love Story, Oxfam, Impact Awards and more in our Storytelling Highlights"

Happy New Year and welcome to our first Storytelling Highlights of 2017. This is where we share what we’ve seen, heard or read about and would like to share with you.  In case you missed it we were thrilled to announce our #SMEX17 keynote speaker-  award-winning writer, broadcaster and children’s rights campaigner Lemn Sissay. Tickets are going quickly so do book soon to be part of an inspiring day of digital storytelling training. Back to our highlights, you know the drill, make yourself a cup of tea, grab a pair of headphones and enjoy.

1. Kayleigh’s Love Story
Kayleigh’s Love Story is a film released by Leicestershire Police last week. Made to serve as a warning to children and adults of the dangers of grooming and sexual exploitation the short film share’s details of the real case of Kayleigh Haywood who after being groomed online was tragically killed in November 2015. It’s a difficult film to watch but it is vital that young people understand the importance of staying safe online and parents can spot the signs that may indicate their child is being groomed. The film was supported by Kayleigh’s parents and contains some scenes that viewers may find upsetting.


2. Oxfam’s New App
Oxfam have been in the spotlight this week with a innovative new app which aims to build trust with donors and share authentic stories. More control is being put into the donor’s hands with app users able to track how much they have donated through sponsorship, items donated to shops, or cash payments, and can adjust their monthly donations. The charity is increasing it’s transparency with insight into how funds are spent through video diaries, powerful firsthand stories and live updates on emergencies. Will this lead the way for other charities?

3. Impact Awards
Increasingly we are seeing the role of digital in creating life-changing products and services. We loved The Big Life Fix on BBC Two before Christmas (catch up if you haven’t already seen it!) which showed innovation and creation of new digital technologies to help solve a variety of personal issues. Being the Story speaker Emma Lawton went live with BBC on Wednesday to demonstrate the Emma Watch. . And so it’s only right that we recognise these great achievements. Nominations are now open for Digital Agenda’s Impact Awards nominated by our friends Nominet Trust. They’re open to any business, government or non-profit using digital products or services to make the world a better place.

4. Social Bite
We love the idea of this café in Scotland ‘a sandwich shop with a difference’. Social Bite is a social business that has been employing homeless individuals to give them the opportunity to earn money and develop other skills, people with experience of homelessness make up 1 in 4 of their staff. It also donates 100% of all of their profit to social causes, feeding around 150 homeless people every day and donating some of their profits to external charities.

5. Storytelling Opportunities for 2017 

There are so many powerful stories that go untold, so when an opportunity arises that will give a platform to these experiences it’s a great thing. Coram Voice are holding a writing competition for children and young people in care. They want to hear about any new chances and opportunities you have had, or how people in your life have helped give you a new start. Find out more here.
BBC One’s Giving Back is a series where history meets philanthropy. Each episode explores the personal history of individuals who have been through challenging circumstances to see how they can positively impact the lives of others. BBC are looking for benefactors –anyone from an inspirational service user or volunteer, right through to founders or patrons. The benefactor of each episode would ideally be willing to share their experience and story and make a donation (around £1000 or equivalent gifts) to someone who is experiencing similar set-backs or obstacles in their lives. It is a great opportunity to raise awareness of the different obstacles faced by some members of society. For more info contact Chris by email remembering to include a contact number. chris.dodd@itn.co.uk

Added Extra:
Our friend mental health campaigner Jonny Benjamin MBE just launched  a new app yesterday called Silver Linings. It has been created by young people who have experienced psychosis for others experiencing it.

Do keep us updated with what you think I should be finding out more about.

And if you like what you read – do help us by sharing it and spreading the word

Jude and Helena the sounddelivery team

@sounddelivery

How #SMEX17 can help you make an impact
Our practical and creative event on Monday 6th February at Resource for London will help give you the skills you need to make a bigger impact online. Experts from charities and the media will help you get the most out of the ways you tell your stories.

The day features:

  • Interactive workshops focusing on digital strategies, transforming tough topics, crowdsourcing content, giving a voice to those you support, making the most of YouTube, getting to grips with immersive storytelling, working with case studies and using storytelling to crowdfund.
  • Practical sessions in audio storytelling, photography, social video and a variety of social media tools.
  • Lunchtime sessions looking at working with millennials, dealing with documentary makers and 1-1 sessions on a range of topics
  • Lunchtime Lightning Talks with three inspiring speakers reflecting the theme “The Power of Our Stories”.

Find out more information and book a place at www.socialmediaexchange.org.uk 

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