“I want to tell you a story…” was held at Crosby Library on 2nd December 2022. It was facilitated by the Community Research and Engagement network (CoREN) alongside Sefton CVS and Sefton Libraries and was all about looking at how stories can be used in research, both to give a voice to the community and to provide powerful evidence for change.

Attendees to the event watched speakers from a variety of projects discuss:-
• Why do stories have power and value?
• How can stories be used as evidence for change?
• How do researchers use stories in their work?
• What validity do stories from the community have?
• Why should we listen to stories from communities?

Speakers included:-
• Members of People First, talking about The DAVID (Dignity and Voice in Dying) Project, which supports those with learning disabilities to learn about death and dying. Learn more here
• Writing on the Wall talking about their work on the Different Voices, Shared Lives project, to develop and showcase writing talent from Liverpool’s racial minority communities. Learn more here
• Kasia Borowczak from Point of Care foundation talking about their work on Schwartz Rounds, where all staff in health care can come together regularly to discuss the emotional and social aspects of their work. Learn more here
• Lesley Davies of Sefton Library talking about their Sefton Lost Voices project, which records memories of those in the early stages of dementia. Learn more here
• Paul Marshall of Lancaster University talking about his work with the Library of Lived Experience, formed around the issue of mental health. Learn more here
• Emma Halliday of Lancaster University talking about the Neighbourhood Resilience Programme and gathering stories as a way to make change happen. Learn more here
• Jo Goldthorpe and Hilary Garret from the ARC NWC talking about the Covid Diaries project which gathered people’s stories in lockdown. Learn more here

Attendees also had the chance to share their own stories and talk to others about how they might connect and work together on similar projects.

The event was incredibly well received – one participant from People First said “We found out about so many really interesting, exciting and inspirational projects – and got so many exciting ideas which we can use in our project – it was brilliant…. we all left buzzing and have been sharing the ideas and plans with the rest of the members ever since!”

A participant from Wirral Council said “It was great to hear a diverse range of voices (and seeing those voices getting heard), their experiences and great to see co-production in action. It was a great opportunity also to meet new people”

A participant from Collective Encounters stated, “It was an inspiring event with a great range of speakers.”