- Speaking Up
- Dignity and respect
- Getting involved in research
- Working smarter
- Why teach English?
- After the fires
- Dangling conversations
- Sheffield Carers' Voices 2
- NHS Lothian telehealth stories
- In the lead
- Stories from the National Patient Safety Agency
- Telehealth stories
- Stories of recovery from La Trobe University
- MND stories
- NHS Leeds PPI stories
- Sheffield Carers' Voices
- End of Life Care
- Stories from the University of Liverpool
- Stories from the Isle of Wight Stroke Club
- Stories from the University of Nottingham
- Stories from the University of Huddersfield
- Communities of health
- Stories from the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement
- Stories from junior doctors in training
- Stories from the Saskatoon Health Region
- Arthur & Co.: Stories about living with Arthritis
- Society of the Holy Child Jesus
- Healing journeys
- Work in Progress
- Caring for vulnerable babies: the reorganisation of neonatal services in England
- Interpreting Tales
- Having a stroke: being a parent
- Stories from Connecting for Health
- Stories from the RCN quality improvement programme
- Carers' Resource, Harrogate, Craven and Airedale
- Stories from the RCN
- Reconnecting with life: stories of life after stroke
- Stories from Pilgrim Projects
- Stories from the Working in Partnership Programme (WiPP)
- Stories from NHS Tayside
- Stories from NEYNL
- Stories from the Heart Improvement Programme
- Charles Bruce's stories
- Grace and Joe Desa's stories
- Alison Ryan's stories
- David Clark's stories
- Emma Allen's stories
- Monica Clarke's stories
- Ian Kramer's stories
Stories from Pilgrim Projects
The stories
Click on the links below to play the stories.
A brave and powerful story, describing a journey from abuse to recovery, via self-harm and indifferent support services.
This is Pip Hardy's 'virtual' presentation to the Second Summit for Global Mental Health, Capetown, South Africa October 17th 2011 (www.globalmentalhealth.org).
One woman finds that the beautiful genes that control her nature and growth have also brought an unwelcome legacy from her family history. She takes medication every day to deal with her high blood pressure, and runs - not to escape her high blood pressure, but against it.
Steve’s eldest daughter, Ellie, died of Mucopolysaccharide disease (MPS). When he is diagnosed with a grade 4 Glyoblastoma, Steve knows that one of the things he wants to do is to leave a message for his younger daughter, Issy, about how important she is to him.
For Eva, the ability to use the right words to express herself has always been important . At 84 years old, the possibility of a diagnosis of Dementia is a dark and frightening one. But the inspiration of a sunrise, and the joy of her garden bring back to her that, as the sun sets in one place, so does it rise somewhere else.
A nurse and a first-time mother, Rosie wants to avoid a caesarean section.
Her experience on labour wards means that she knows birth is a painful process – so why does she feel so little pain when the contractions start?
Should staff just keep giving her more Syntocin?
How should we regard the support we provide to carers? As a benefit for them, or as a recognition of the work that carers do on behalf of society?
One family’s story of attempted suicide, seen through the eyes of a consultant psychiatrist, illustrates the gap between the risk-aware culture of the UK and the impossible aspirations of Nigerian mental health policy.
A psychiatric consultant reflects on a busy night shift and wonders whether there is something more that could be done for those who are trying to end their lives in one way or another.
A university tutor tries to help a student challenged by more than study problems.
The tragedy of lives, families and futures lost through alcohol abuse is poignantly described by a friend who witnesses the destruction it can wreak.
Weaving together painful memories of Kristallnacht, the kindertransport and a tearful farewell to her mother, Eva finds hope and resolution in a happier memory of a hug ... and the treasures her mother valued most.
Alwyn works with people with learning disabilities, mental health problems and behaviours that challenge. For them, recovery may seem a far place down a difficult road, but Alwyn’s own experiences underpin his conviction that it is a journey worth undertaking.
When a client’s life is at risk, Francis acts instinctively and courageously – but would he do it again?
When Jenny's mum becomes seriously ill, she finds herself balanced precariously between her professional role as a nurse and her personal role as a 'good' daughter - the kind that doesn't rock the boat.
From darkness into light: new worlds
For many people, the uncertainty of waiting for a diagnosis can be almost unbearable. As Eva approaches her 82nd year, forgetfulness and confusion force her to confront the almost-unthinkable possibility of Alzheimers. As she awaits tests and results, her reflections lead her to a place of acceptance, and ultimately, peace.
When a riding accident leaves Dan with two broken arms, he has plenty of time to reflect on the lack of humanity of care in some of the best-equipped hospitals in the world - in stark contrast with the care offered in some of the poorest hospitals in Africa.
A trip to Ethiopia opens Laura's eyes to the value of education and the price of a smile.
A bicycle accident results in a broken arm – and an important lesson learned!
This story provides an introduction to the programme. It is, however, about 17 minutes long (as it includes several stories) and hence may take some time to download.
Marilyn Kramer pays tribute to St Nicholas' Hospice, where her son Ian died peacefully and with dignity.
A. A. Milne’s poem can help illuminate the perceptions that patients and clinicians hold about their relationship and reveal the unintended damage that occurs when patients do not exercise choice, voice and control.
A small voluntary organisation that provides free counselling for those who would not otherwise have access to such a service is struggling to survive in the face of funding cuts. If the prevailing attitude does indeed prevail, what future is there for voluntary organisations in the co-production of care?
If, after seeing the story, you would like to support Hitchin Counselling Service, please contact The Administrator at Hitchin Counselling Service, on 01462 790806.
Getting it right when learning relies on getting it right when teaching as well.
Who takes responsibility for the dying? Who gives that responsibility, and how can it be handled sensitively by those with only a clinical connection to a case?
A life lived in stories, told in stories and shared in stories, is honoured by the caring and compassionate attention of hospice staff.
For a relative or a carer the language of healthcare can be harsh, frightening, guttural and unfeeling – even when interpersonal relationships are strong and care is effective. This story uses a written style that attempts to highlight that contrast.
Mental Health difficulties can have devastating effects on individuals and their families.
Julie's story reveals her courageous and loving attempts to overcome tragedy and offers hope through her recognition that life goes on.
For years Valerie tried to persuade her doctors that the debilitating and chronic pain she suffered was a result of a blow on the head from an auto accident in her past, the effects of which were compounded by a another neck injury 35 years later that together triggered chronic Fibromyalgia Syndrome. It wasn’t until she believed she was dying that she decided to take matters into her own hands…
The effects of a cycling accident trigger memories of an earlier incident in Ros' childhood, and provoke a reflection on the nature of memory.
As a healthcare professional, Rosie is unprepared for a potentially life-threatening diagnosis. The support of loving family, friends and colleagues reminds Rosie of her good fortune in being part of a larger family of healthcare practitioners.
Cleopatra’s early life experiences laid the foundations for her caring and compassionate approach to her work as a healthcare assistant. When she comes to the UK, the RCN provides support and encouragement for further training and career development.
Moving from sunny California to a chilly 1960s boarding school in England would be a shock to any system. Gardening offers some solace but it is many years before healing takes place and the transplant can be considered successful.
Julie Coleman's second story offers a wry and personal look at depression, the effects of the drugs, and the important role of friends and family.
During her childhood, Lara views her father as the person who is always ‘there' for her. Only later does she realise that it was her mum who was with her through thick and thin, and a series of painful and difficult operations.
The journey from one gender to another is never easy. Kate reflects on some of the highs and lows of becoming a woman, highlighting important trans issues.
Duncan is both a joy and a tribute to his loving family. But, despite his own growing capacity for affection, there is a lingering concern as to whether, in the future, anyone else can give him the love and care he needs.
A frozen shoulder can generate agonising pain at all times of the day or night. When painkillers and steroids fail to provide relief, a particularly long night provides an opportunity to meditate on the nature of suffering.
Cathy loves her job as a flight nurse and knows that excellent communication is critical if she and her team are to save the lives of the patients they rescue - and protect their own lives. Cathy's story was created at a workshop funded by the University of Colorado College of Nursing and jointly facilitated by the Center for Digital Storytelling and Patient Voices.
Living with depression can be challenging and heart-breaking, affecting the lives of everyone with whom the sufferer comes into contact. As a child growing up with depression, Melanie was able to develop inner resources that have stood her in good stead througout her life.
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Copyright 2012 Pilgrim Projects Limited. Last updated: 19/04/2012.
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