What We Do
Provide storytelling activities for people of all ages throughout Northern Ireland both in libraries and within communities.
Facilitate. public storytelling events including monthly adult Yarnspinning evenings at Tullycarnet Library (running since 1991)
Give employment opportunities for new and emerging storytellers.
Offer storytelling training for library staff, carers and young people.
Establish a firm foundation for storytelling to continue as an important and enduring art-form in Northern Ireland.
For children and young people
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
storytelling for children and teenagers in schools and libraries
Health and welfare groups
storytelling for various 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
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
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