The Verbatim Formula: Sometimes a Hug Goes a Long Way
Lead Research Organisation:
Queen Mary University of London
Department Name: Drama
Abstract
The Verbatim Formula (TVF) is an AHRC-funded participatory action research project based at Queen Mary University of London that brings together a range of partners from the children's care public sector, higher education and the arts to support young people entering and leaving the care of the state. Responding to the adoption into UK law of the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1992, that 'corporate parents' are legally obliged to give due regard to children's wishes and feelings in matters affecting them, the project aimed to explore the extent to which creative practice can support better listening by adult professionals.
Using verbatim theatre, a form which requires care-ful listening and performance of recorded testimonies, TVF works with care-experienced young people as co-researchers, whose knowledge of care and education qualifies them as 'experts'. The project's 'Portable Testimony Service' gathers testimonies for 'pop-up' events in arts centres, social services' and universities' offices, and in policy fora. TVF invites meaningful, face-to-face dialogue between young people and adults, aiming to create attentive and spontaneous dialogue in the increasingly transactional life of education and care. As participatory action research it aims to empower and support its participants, building platforms from which to define gaps in provision, expose structural inequalities, and advocate for change.
Since the project began in 2015, various indicators show that the care system is under ever greater pressure due to a long period of austerity. Increased numbers are entering care, and there are insufficient foster carers who can provide the support that is needed for vulnerable young people. In 2017-8, more than 6000 young people experienced unplanned endings to their placements in foster care. Such instability exacerbates looked-after children's well-documented vulnerability to mental health problems and jeopardises the continuity needed for their educational and life success. In spite of the statutory requirement to hear children's voices, an over emphasis on procedures and paperwork blocks effective communication and hinders the trusting relationships with both foster carers and social workers that children need to project a positive future.
In the course of TVF's AHRC research period its young co-researchers repeatedly testified to the detrimental effects of transactional relationships with social workers, and the need for more loving foster care. As one 15-year-old told TVF, 'Young people who go into care have been through a lot. Sometimes a hug goes a long way'. Since the outbreak of Covid-19, questions of isolation and the importance of social contact have become even more evident. This follow-on project will deepen engagement with young people in applying TVF's practices to enable foster carers and social workers to understand the affective aspects of their practices within their professional roles and to consider the consequences of these for relationships. In a new partnership with socially engaged arts circus company Upswing, and sound artist Ian Dickinson, the TVF research team will work with young people, social workers and foster carers from Wandsworth and Manchester in creative workshops that integrate accessible physical trust activities with caring and careful practices of listening.
A range of outputs will support the work of third sector partners Coram Voice, in listening to young people's voices in the development of good practice, and the Fostering Network in recruiting foster carers. These include a performance at Battersea Arts Centre and in the Manchester International Festival with audience interaction that will generate press coverage; a series of films based on young people's real life experiences that combat the stigmatisation of social care; digital training materials centring young people's advice; and an interactive workshop ready to be offered to UK Local Authorities.
Using verbatim theatre, a form which requires care-ful listening and performance of recorded testimonies, TVF works with care-experienced young people as co-researchers, whose knowledge of care and education qualifies them as 'experts'. The project's 'Portable Testimony Service' gathers testimonies for 'pop-up' events in arts centres, social services' and universities' offices, and in policy fora. TVF invites meaningful, face-to-face dialogue between young people and adults, aiming to create attentive and spontaneous dialogue in the increasingly transactional life of education and care. As participatory action research it aims to empower and support its participants, building platforms from which to define gaps in provision, expose structural inequalities, and advocate for change.
Since the project began in 2015, various indicators show that the care system is under ever greater pressure due to a long period of austerity. Increased numbers are entering care, and there are insufficient foster carers who can provide the support that is needed for vulnerable young people. In 2017-8, more than 6000 young people experienced unplanned endings to their placements in foster care. Such instability exacerbates looked-after children's well-documented vulnerability to mental health problems and jeopardises the continuity needed for their educational and life success. In spite of the statutory requirement to hear children's voices, an over emphasis on procedures and paperwork blocks effective communication and hinders the trusting relationships with both foster carers and social workers that children need to project a positive future.
In the course of TVF's AHRC research period its young co-researchers repeatedly testified to the detrimental effects of transactional relationships with social workers, and the need for more loving foster care. As one 15-year-old told TVF, 'Young people who go into care have been through a lot. Sometimes a hug goes a long way'. Since the outbreak of Covid-19, questions of isolation and the importance of social contact have become even more evident. This follow-on project will deepen engagement with young people in applying TVF's practices to enable foster carers and social workers to understand the affective aspects of their practices within their professional roles and to consider the consequences of these for relationships. In a new partnership with socially engaged arts circus company Upswing, and sound artist Ian Dickinson, the TVF research team will work with young people, social workers and foster carers from Wandsworth and Manchester in creative workshops that integrate accessible physical trust activities with caring and careful practices of listening.
A range of outputs will support the work of third sector partners Coram Voice, in listening to young people's voices in the development of good practice, and the Fostering Network in recruiting foster carers. These include a performance at Battersea Arts Centre and in the Manchester International Festival with audience interaction that will generate press coverage; a series of films based on young people's real life experiences that combat the stigmatisation of social care; digital training materials centring young people's advice; and an interactive workshop ready to be offered to UK Local Authorities.
Organisations
- Queen Mary University of London (Lead Research Organisation)
- Foundling Museum (Collaboration)
- Contact Theatre (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- Battersea Arts Centre (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- The Fostering Network (Project Partner)
- Greater London Authority (GLA) (Project Partner)
- Wandsworth Borough Council (Project Partner)
- Coram Voice (Project Partner)
- Upswing (Project Partner)
- People's Palace Projects (Project Partner)
Publications
Inchley M
(2023)
Sonic Engagement
Inchley M J
(2022)
Routledge Companion to Theatre and Young People
Inchley, M.J.
(2023)
• Performing Institutions: Contested Sites and Structures of Care
| Title | About Love |
| Description | This is a documentary film about our process of taking our care-experienced young researchers to Manchester, to meet and work with young people in Contact Theatre. |
| Type Of Art | Film/Video/Animation |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Impact | Please see main impact narrative. |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bHlzxOTeIc |
| Title | More Than Skin Deep |
| Description | This is a short film made with care-experienced young people in response to the shortage of foster carers nationwide and the need to be truthful about their experiences. |
| Type Of Art | Film/Video/Animation |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Impact | Please see overall narrative. |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AclczY0gXSs&t=91s. |
| Description | This was an award for Impact and Engagement. A full narrative impact can be found in the original award. 'Sometimes a Hug' has developed the findings of this work by establishing that: 1. Working with the same group of co-researchers over a one year duration with several projects led to significant impacts for the young people, such as skills and confidence building; 2. The artistic methodologies of verbatim practice were enhanced by blending them with movement work and beatboxing to make a powerful impact on audiences and to build the skills of the co-researchers; 3. The young people were enabled to work as co-researchers sharing TVF methodologies with new participants in different parts of the country. 4. Sharing experiences of care lead to positive effects on mental health and well-being for care leavers 5. TVF methodologies engaged young people in the archives and exhibitions of a museum, and its event produced a meaningful, engaged and resonant response to which audiences responded with generosity 6. The TVF film, 'More Than Skin Deep', is a useful tool for recruiting and training foster carers and social workers |
| Exploitation Route | This award has enabled TVF to develop further its creative and participatory research methodologies that centre young people's voices in giving feedback on the experiences of care and care-leaving that aim to improve institutions of care, arts and education. Films have been made that make we have been advised by Wandsworth Children's Services are useful for recruiting and training foster carers and social workers, and we hope to be able to work with them on doing this. The methodologies could also be taken forward to use more widely in local children's services, universities, and by the museums and galleries sector. We have disseminated our verbatim methodologies widely through workshops for students and practitioners who have their own creative practices and theatre companies. We have advised creative practitioners and companies, such as COMPANY FOUR in Manchester on TVF practice research methodologies, and have been disseminated this work internationally in 2023 in Toronto and South Africa, and in 2024 in New Zealand. In December 2023 we were approached by the UK Home Office Fire Strategy and Regulation unity to train staff in the benefits of using lived experience in policy-making. |
| Sectors | Creative Economy Education Healthcare Government Democracy and Justice Culture Heritage Museums and Collections |
| Description | AHRC awarded a 12 month Follow on Fund to the Verbatim Formula, which started in January 2022. The length of the grant has been extended to the end of April 2023 because of knock-on effects of the pandemic. The follow-on project deepened engagement with young people in the social care sector. It was designed to support young people, social carers, and foster carers by finding creative ways to strengthen relationships, and to resonate with and amplify the work of third sector partners. It aspires to tell positive true stories that combat stigma and support the recruitment of foster carers. The project More Then Skin Deep has had four main delivery phases. The first was in partnership with Wandsworth Council Children in Care Council, where the TVF team collaborated with a movement artist Richard James Neale and sound artist Lakeisha Stevens and Conrad Murray who are part of the Beat Box Academy, to explore themes of care, touch and empathy with 6 young people. This culminated in a sharing at Battersea Arts Centre. In the second phase, TVF commissioned Chocolate Films to make a participatory film with care-experienced young people and adults. This was to share the realities of the foster care system and to generate resources to be used in recruiting foster carers, in the hope to challenge the shortage of adults choosing to foster looked after children. TVF ran a series of workshops with current foster carers and young people to co-create this film. The third phase took TVF to Manchester where they partnered with Contact Theatre, taking 3 young people from the London phase and the same creative team, to explore similar themes and worked with care experienced young people from in and around Manchester. A week of workshops, and a session with care-experienced actress and comedian Sophie Willan, culminated in a public performance at Contact. We finished 2022 with a new performance at the Foundling Museum, sharing a new site-specific performance Lost and Foundlings, as part of the Being Human Festival. This was made in collaboration with care-experienced young people, and took inspiration from The Foundling Museum's collections and histories. TVF explored how histories of care and artistic giving might lead us to think about how to care better now. And, as the histories of the FM suggest, how art can be a trigger for action and change. This event attracted good publicity, including an appearance by Dr Maggie Inchley and care-experienced participant Victoria Odude on Times Radio cultural slot (4 November 2022). TVF considers that the most valuable impacts to have been made are articulated by the young people we have worked with. The following is a statement by a TVF participant: "I am a part of a group of 6 care leavers, between the ages of 18-27 who worked with TVF during 2022. Most members of the group are creative people who make music, write and perform. One of the biggest difficulties in the experience of care is that we do not have the power or agency in the ways that our lives are documented and represented. TVF takes our views and experiences and portrays them in a way that we are understood. It empowers me to share the histories of the care system and what can be done about it. Doing TVF activities we discovered histories of care and racialized experience that were meaningful to us. The system has been the same for a long time and it is a shame things are similar. This makes me want to open up to adults coz they need to listen. At our performance at The Foundling Museum, I played a real person and I wanted to do her justice. Me sharing someone else's story - it literally could have been my story! I feel like I shared that really well. We worked with artists and curators, finding ways to share our experiences and opinions creatively and to hold adults to account. We all found new practices in music, movement and performance, and we felt empowered to speak as a collective. Some of us felt a lift to our mental health. Feeling like I wasn't alone in my experiences but hearing others, it made me want to tell people about what happened to me and how it made me feel. I wanted people to listen to me. Our group wants to stay involved in TVF. We are ready to take on more responsibility with new young people in future projects by being their mentors, and to continue to do more work together to tackle issues and problems that are ongoing for us." (2022). Working with the same group of co-researchers for the period of this grant is enabling TVF to work more democratically with its young co-researchers, sharing more power and decision-making with them. This methodological shift is informing its plans to move forward with further activities that centre young people's voices. Several TVF co-researchers have gained confidence and widened their professional networks, for example, taking up an invitation to speak at the Black Care-experience Conference, and becoming a member of the GLA Peer Outreach Team. In 2023, TVF commissioned an Impact Report from Dr Caleb Lee, which focussed on the impact of the project's care-experienced co-researchers. Amongst its findings were: (A) Young People It's made me think about my life and experiences a lot more and where I stand as a creative and what I can do further in helping to share real stories to create impact and social justice. (Young person) Based on the findings, It is clear that young people's narratives can provide powerful evidence of personal growth, increased confidence, and positive outcomes resulting from their participation. It is also important to note that evaluating the impact of empowering young people's voices is an ongoing process. It requires regular monitoring, feedback loops, and adaptation based on the evolving needs and aspirations of young individuals. Below are some of the notable findings: Personal Growth and Social Experience The participants in the project articulated profound and transformative sentiments about their experiences, illuminating the profound impact of their involvement. One participant shared a poignant reflection, saying, "To be able to do that and really connect with my inner emotions with my own life experience and also taking in everything else and everyone else's experiences." This statement underscores the depth of personal connection and empathy that the project encouraged. It reflects a journey of self-discovery and emotional exploration, where participants not only delved into their own life experiences but also connected deeply with the diverse narratives of their peers. It speaks to the project's ability to create a space where inner emotions could be openly explored and shared. Moreover, participants highlighted the transformative power of building relationships within the project. One participant emphasised how far they had come, saying, "Like how little we knew each otherI think the thing for me, one of my favorite things is getting to know you." This sentiment illustrates the growth of interpersonal bonds over the course of the project. It signifies the development of genuine connections, where participants transitioned from relative strangers to individuals who genuinely valued and enjoyed each other's company. It underscores the project's role in fostering meaningful relationships and creating a sense of camaraderie among its participants. Furthermore, a recurring theme among participants was the idea of "collectively working together". This notion highlights the collaborative spirit that underscored the project's activities. Participants recognised the power of working as a team, sharing experiences, insights, and ideas. One participant eloquently captured this sentiment by noting, "you can be connected and try to make change around these things that are impacting you and others." Here, the emphasis is on the collective agency that participants felt, the idea that together, they could address the issues and challenges that affected not only them but also their wider community. It speaks to the transformative potential of collaborative efforts, underlining how the project empowered participants to not only share their stories but also actively work toward positive change in their lives and the lives of others. Ownership and Agency Giving agency to young people's voices empowers them to take ownership of their lives, communities, and future. Empowering young people's voices through agency not only amplifies their perspectives but also fosters a profound sense of ownership over their lives, communities, and futures. As one participant beautifully articulated, "you really give us the ropes to help plan projects and get our opinions and thoughts before setting things in stone". This approach is a testament to how involving young individuals in decision-making processes cultivates agency, self-confidence, and active citizenship. It enables them to actively shape the choices that directly impact their lives. This sentiment was echoed in a feedback session where young people highlighted one of TVF's strengths as being that "young people drive it too." Providing young individuals with a platform to share their unique perspectives and actively participate in decision-making processes enhances their self-esteem and self-worth. Participants in the project expressed how their voices mattered, as one participant remarked, "But you guys show me that my opinion does matter." This recognition of the value of their contributions reaffirms their sense of agency and influence. It demonstrates that their opinions are not only heard but also respected and acted upon, giving them a newfound confidence in their own abilities. Additionally, many participants acknowledged that stepping outside their comfort zones had been a transformative experience. One participant expressed gratitude for this, saying, "I'm grateful I chose to hang outside my comfort zone." This recognition of personal growth and the willingness to challenge oneself is a testament to the project's ability to empower young people to take ownership of their own development. When youth voices are authentically amplified and presented to broader audiences, it not only enhances their individual self-worth but also empowers them to engage in positive social actions, advocate for their rights, and contribute meaningfully to society. Diverse Perspectives and Creativity Young people, with their unique perspectives and fresh, innovative ideas, serve as catalysts for addressing societal challenges in creative and impactful ways. As one participant eloquently expressed, they utilised "theatre and art to enhance dialogue and meaningful conversation around concerns and hardships", while another participant acknowledged that the project effectively "opened a space" where previously challenging issues could be openly and constructively discussed in a safe and supportive environment. Through the active participation of young voices, a rich and diverse tapestry of experiences, knowledge, and insights is readily accessible. This diversity acts as a wellspring of creativity, promoting critical thinking and inspiring the development of inclusive and sustainable solutions. The process of involving young people in decision-making and creative endeavors ensures that their perspectives are woven into the fabric of community decisions, leading to more effective outcomes that resonate with the entire community. Additionally, the project's influence extends beyond creative solutions. It fosters a deep sense of belonging and community among participants. One participant shared the profound sentiment of "feeling connected with my roots and my community," while others expressed that the project felt like a welcoming and supportive "small family". This sense of togetherness not only nurtures creativity but also reinforces the importance of collaboration, compromise, and the freedom to express oneself. Social Change and Resilience When young people are given the opportunity to voice their concerns and aspirations, they become agents of social change. As one participant raised, they would like to attend more events and panels (e.g Ministry of Education, Youth Parliament meetings, conferences at Universities) where their vision is to "care for young people/adults" and reach out to more young people. Their activism, advocacy, and engagement on issues such as the care system, social justice, and equality have the potential to transform societies. By centering their voices, it creates spaces for dialogue, collaboration, and collective action, resulting in resilient communities that are better equipped to address the challenges of the present and the future. As another participant shared, it would be exciting and meaningful to find a way to "work with foster carer groups". Engaging with young people encourages them to learn from their insights, adapt to evolving societal dynamics, and co-create solutions that reflect the aspirations and realities of all age groups. In the words of a participant, this project provided the opportunity to "reclaim our space". Such collaboration can strengthen communities and pave the way for more inclusive futures. Positive Mental Health and Well-being Generally, the consensus among young people was that the project significantly improved their mental health and overall well-being. One of the key contributing factors was the increased sense of belonging and validation they experienced. These "transformative moments," as one young person aptly described them, played a pivotal role in bonding the group together. The project's emphasis on "using experiences and feelings within a safe, mindful way to help create theatre and art" proved instrumental in reducing feelings of isolation and forging robust social support networks among the young people. Furthermore, many participants expressed that the project fostered an atmosphere characterised by "kindness and love," "unity," and "honesty and openness." These values not only promoted a sense of belonging but also significantly enhanced self-esteem and resilience among the young individuals. This holistic approach to well-being emphasised the importance of emotional health, not only as a byproduct of participation but also as a core element of the project's impact. Empowering young people's voices within the project had a particularly positive effect on their emotional resilience. Through opportunities to express themselves authentically and to be heard, young individuals developed stronger coping mechanisms and emotional well-being. One participant aptly stated they could "share things that I haven't ever shared or thought of; it's definitely therapy, and it's definitely necessary". This sentiment captures how the project provided a safe and therapeutic space for young people to explore their emotions and experiences, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being. Moreover, the rapid bond formed among participants was a source of great positivity, as another participant noted, "but it was nice to see how we all bonded so quickly." This social connection and shared experiences created a profound sense of unity and belonging among care-experienced individuals, reinforcing the positive impact of the project on their mental health and well-being. Empowering young voices within this project has not only amplified their stories but has also enriched their emotional resilience, fostering a supportive community that values authenticity, empathy, and holistic well-being. (B) Impact on External Partners: Artists and Stakeholders In any such evaluation, it is important to look beyond the young people and consider the broader context, including the impacts on all stakeholders involved. The project has had a generally positive impact on external partners, including artists and stakeholders. According to the artists involved, the "co-researcher approach" to creating the work has proven to be an "empowering and immersive way to engage with the young people involved." The approach, according to them, effectively dismantles hierarchical barriers that can often exist in care settings, fostering an environment of openness and honesty that is "truly refreshing". This generally reflects the overall sentiments of how TVF has been able to champion young people's, enabling them to create something that instills confidence and a sense of pride in themselves It was reported that the dedication displayed by the young participants had been a source of inspiration for the artists involved. According to them, the project had boosted confidence in the ability to work quickly with ideas that may not be fully developed. Despite time constraints, participants were able to bring "everything together" for shared performances, showcasing the effectiveness of the project's methods. Crucially, in the words of one artist, "the TVF methods are incredibly powerful", and they have found new ways of working with young people and have been inspired to incorporate them more frequently into their own creative work. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2022 |
| Sector | Communities and Social Services/Policy,Creative Economy,Education,Government, Democracy and Justice |
| Impact Types | Cultural Societal |
| Description | Blending Creative Practices and Performance in Participatory Care-experienced Youth Work |
| Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to new or improved professional practice |
| Impact | Our activities gave insight into the personal circumstances of the young people in the PO's care, and allowed deeper and more trusting relationships, which are key to providing meaningful care to young people, to develop. Public performances and events allowed celebration of young people's experiences, words and skills that changed professionals' awareness and views of the young people. |
| Description | Home Office Away Day |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Impact | Our evaluations demonstrate use to policy-makers of our training in terms of feeding into use of lived experience in policy-making. |
| Description | Battersea Arts Centre |
| Organisation | Battersea Arts Centre |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Multiple |
| PI Contribution | We held two preliminary meetings in 2017 to discuss how to work with BAC and its related theatre companies and partners to create opportunities for using our practice of participatory evaluation with local authority partners. We held the Battersea Arts Centre Chatback for a public audience at BAC in June 2018. This was an immersive audience experience, followed by public dialogue around the care system led by young people. We staged a public performance with audience workshop, More Than Skin Deep, at BAC in June 2022. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Meghan Peterson has attended two key team planning meetings at QMUL, as well as arranging a planning meeting with Henrietta Imoreh of Re-define Theatre also based at BAC in February 2018. Henrietta has approached her contact based in Wandsworth Children's services. We collaborated with Liz Moreton, Director of Creativity and Social Change, in putting together a creative team and public event. BAC supplied us with a space, and a technician for the day and evening, as well as helping us to publicise the event, which attracted around 50 people. |
| Impact | Battersea Arts Centre Audio Chatback. BAC More Than Skin Deep |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Contact Theatre Manchester |
| Organisation | Contact Theatre |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | The TVF team shared our methodologies with young people from Manchester, and made a new performance, 'About Love'. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Contact Theatre provided TVF with space for a week, and staff members including a project manager, front of house and technician. |
| Impact | We made a performance, About Love, and a documentary film of the process (link above). Knowledge-sharing and young people's network between London and Manchester. Diversification of programming at Contact Theatre. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Foundling Museum |
| Organisation | Foundling Museum |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | The TVF team explored the Tiny Traces exhibitions and created a site responsive public tour for the Being Human Festival, 'Lost and Foundling'. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The Foundling Museum provided us with workshop space on the premises, staff time, and contributed to the expenses of the event (free to the public). |
| Impact | Lost and Foundling site responsive tour. Care-experienced young people engaged with museum's archives. Museum's spaces and exhibits were activated, bringing them into dialogue with contemporary experience of children in foster and residential care. Young people spoke to audiences, which included foster carers and social workers, of the link between care and criminal records, and of the need for young people's voices to be included. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | 'Arts Changing Lives: Building a Community of Practice Around Inclusive Arts for Social and Community Change', Chickenshed and School of Advanced Study, University of London. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
| Results and Impact | We shared our TVF arts methodologies with arts organisations and charities in order to share knowledge and build capacity in the socially engaged arts sector. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | 'Theorising TVF' invited presentation, University of Galway |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Presentation to post-graduate students on theorising TVF at University of Galway. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Being Human Blog |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Lead researcher's blog about TVF's performance at The Foundling Museum in the Being Human festival. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://peoplespalaceprojects.org.uk/en/lost-and-foundling-the-art-of-creative-giving-as-the-cost-of... |
| Description | Foster Carer Workshops |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | We held a two consultation-style workshops with foster carers that fed into the making of our short films with young people. The audio gathered from these workshops made the soundtrack of our 'More Than Skin Deep' film, giving real testimonies about foster caring. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Foundling Museum Performance in Being Human |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | In this project our care-experienced young people collaborated with artists and with the creator of the 'Tiny Traces' exhibition, Hannah DENNET (PGR Warwick) at the Foundling Museum. This traced the histories of orphans of colour in Britain from the eighteenth century. Through our activities, a performative tour was developed, which was programmed in the Being Human festival, 2022. The impacts of this project on the young people were significant in terms of their understanding of their own care identity and awareness of the presence of people of colour in the care and criminal justice system in British history. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://www.cssd.ac.uk/news/dr-sylvan-baker-takes-part-2022-being-human-festival |
| Description | Guardian Feature |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Dr Sylvan Baker was included as one of 59 successful care leavers in a project by poet Lemn Sissay featured in The Guardian newspaper. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/jul/24/portrait-care-leavers-lemn-sissay-foundling-museum |
| Description | Interview for Times Radio |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Dr Maggie Inchley and care-experienced co-researcher, Victoria Odude, were interviewed by Hannah MacInnes (for Michael Portillo) on the Friday 7-10 pm show. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://web.archive.org/web/20221107115904/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/radio/show/20221104-12026/2022... |
| Description | More Than Skin Deep Performance, BAC |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Collaborating with young adults from Wandsworth Future First We made a performance event 'More Than Skin Deep' and performed it at Battersea Arts Centre. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | National Theatre review |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Review article in The Conversation. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://theconversation.com/grenfell-in-the-words-of-survivors-new-play-is-an-angry-demand-for-accou... |
| Description | Performance at Contact Theatre, Manchester |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | We brought 4 of our participants from London to work with 4 from Manchester. Together, through a series of creative workshops, the group shared experiences, and made a performance, About Love, to share with an audience of friends, carers, and creative practitioners. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Presentation for Western University |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | The TVF lead researchers shared their practices and methodologies with a group of students at Western who were going to adapt them for their own verbatim project with homeless people in Ontario, Canada. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |