What We Do Provides storytelling activities for people of all ages throughout Northern Ireland both in libraries and within communitiesFacilitates public storytelling events including monthly adult Yarnspinning evenings at Tullycarnet Library (running since 1991)Gives employment opportunities for new and emerging storytellersOffers storytelling training for library staff, carers and young peopleEstablishes a firm foundation for storytelling to continue as an important and enduring art-form in Northern Ireland Strathfoyle Library Sharon Dickson at Hemsworth Square For children and young people: storytelling for children and teenagers in schools and libraries promotes literacy improves talking and listening skills develops confidence enables young people to experience traditional storytelling promotes library use encourages a love of stories enhances storytelling skills improves creative writing For older people: storytelling for residents in nursing homes, folds and sheltered dwellings, luncheon clubs, University of the Third Age, active age groups gives voice to those whose voices are often not heard links past, present and future provides relaxing entertainment stimulates memory encourages conversation creates social interaction values ordinary people’s stories provides employment for new and emerging storytellers encourages intergenerational connections For adult groups: storytelling for local community groups, inter-cultural organisations, church based groups, Belfast Hebrew Congregation encourages cross-community awareness and understanding crosses potential boundaries of disability, age, gender and culture supports the concept of a shared society fosters cultural expression gives voice to those whose voices are often not heard fosters an interest in local stories promotes library use reduces loneliness and isolation Health and welfare groups: storytelling for mental health groups, hearing and visually impaired groups, visually impaired groups, Alzheimer’s Society groups and Memory Cafes. NI Chest Heart and Stroke Association, Cancer Focus, Breast Cancer support groups, laryngectomy support group, Arthritis Care, groups of learning disabled adults, Northern Ireland Hospice gives voice to those whose voices are often not heard inclusive of disability, age, gender and culture provides a social activity encourages sharing of personal stories stimulates realisation of common narratives facilitates reminiscence Prisons: storytelling for prisoners and their families provides training for prisoners to interact with their families facilitates opportunities for prisoners and their families to share stories together supports social interaction promotes good mental health via a relaxing, non-threatening activity Refugees and homeless people: storytelling and story-making encourages people to share their own stories values the stories of every individual whatever their background or culture promotes social inclusion encourages community participation
