Working Together
The Covid Stories project team was made up from people with and without learning disabilities.
The project team included Emily Barratt and Danielle Garratt who work at Speak Out, Sarah Watson a Speak Out Trustee, Noelle McCormack a freelance researcher interested in life story work and Lucy Groenewold an artist and workshop facilitator.
We collected the stories of people who lived in different situations during the pandemic; on their own, in supported housing, with families, in shared lives and in care homes. We particularly targeted people who had been isolated and /or digitally excluded.
We interviewed people of all ages and with a range of disabilities. Our interview questions were adapted and made accessible for every person.
Danielle and Noelle worked together to edit audio and film recordings and create individual stories and a series of themed films.
Some interviewees also participated in a series art workshops run by Lucy and Sarah. Their artwork was shown in an exhibition, ‘Lockdown the Lost years’ at the Jubilee Library in the Autumn of 2022.
We are very grateful to our steering group who have given support and guidance during the project. The Steering group members included Dr Sue Ledger, Ajay Choksi and Dr Nicola Grove.
