Truth Be Told: Storytelling For Life

What do we do?

The Truth Be Told project runs small groups for little children, their parents and older adults in care homes and the community too. The Storyteller leads the group in some nursery rhymes, tells a short story, and using a hand-sewn bag covered in pockets and full of props, the group all share memories and imaginative ideas together. Everyone in the room belongs to the TBT group, no matter what their age or stage. The sessions have Christian roots and references but are enjoyable for those of any faith and none. They last about 45-minutes, followed by refreshments and chatting which is whole-heartedly encouraged!

Let me tell you about Sylvia... 

The wisdom and experience that Sylvia holds is invaluable. In her career as a midwife, she has delivered hundreds of babies and now, just longs for their affection. She joins in with songs and stories as best she can with quick wit and good humour, always happy to wear the funny glasses or come up with a character’s name. She talks about her life openly and lucidly, some stories are crystal clear to her and others are an attempt to make sense of her surroundings through the lens of her dementia. But what she tells us without doubt, every week, is about the picture in her room of a little boy on her lap. She treasures that picture and the feeling of purpose it gives her. So after 10 weeks of TBT, of winning our children over, we gave Sylvia a new picture for her room. It was a picture of Sylvia holding the hands of two little girls and dancing with them. Full of life and full of purpose once again.

What impact do we have?

• 100% of attendees said that “TBT helps me to feel included and offers a sense of belonging”.
• 100% of attendees said that “TBT helps me to feel fulfilled and purposeful”.
• 100% of attendees used the word “joyful” to describe how they felt during TBT sessions.
• 93% of attendees said that “I feel more connected to the local community because I am part of TBT”.
• 80% of attendees said that “I feel more connected to the local church because I am part of TBT”.
• 73% of attendees said that they felt TBT sessions improved their wellbeing.
• When asked “Would you like to attend next time?”, 100% of attendees said “Yes”!

What do other people say about us?

• “We have had to cancel all external entertainers, activity providers, trips, visits and events. Our residents would be totally isolated from their wider community if it wasn’t for the TBT families and the church who runs the project.”

Activities Manager, care home

• “I feel included, it’s so nice seeing others laughing. I miss people joking around.”

Older adult in the community

• “Being involved in the sessions leads residents, including those with dementia to have a sense of self-empowerment, of validation and recognition of their age and status.”

Music and Arts Partner, care home

• "My children engage and communicate more here at TBT than anywhere else"

TBT parent

• “The connection with the children has been so beneficial. Entertainers performing via Zoom during the pandemic have not been well received on screen by and large. But these sessions have helped the residents to light up and participate, pointing, waving and joining in. Asking questions of the children, singing, actions and playing their part.”

Head of Activities, care home

• “The children’s happiness rubs off and they share it with me.”

Older adult in the community

• “The reminiscence element is powerful with the songs particularly. One of the residents who often sleeps and rarely speaks took my hand and was able to recall the words to Ring a Ring a Roses repeating “all fall down”. She became aware of herself. It was quite extraordinary.”

Music and Arts Partner, care home

• "You're giving us something to look forward to" 

Older adult in the community