who are We Without Our Stories?
Is there a family member or friend that you’ve always hoped would record their memoirs? Or do you feel like seizing the moment and making your own recording? Are there messages that you would like to record for special dates in the future: birthdays, weddings, graduations even funerals? Could you do a Desert Island Discs with the important music from your life? Or maybe you’ve always wanted to write your life story? Whatever your reason to contact us, it’s the right one!
My Own Words recognises that good communication is crucial in all aspects of life. This is why we want to help you to tell your story the way you want to tell it.
“I found that having my memories filmed and recorded by Virginia was a very straightforward affair, with no sense of urgency, but with every encouragement to be as natural as possible. The experience was like having a relaxed conversation with a friend.” Martin Loft
Our Story
There has never been any doubt about the importance of this project and of oral history. We hope to be as open minded and as flexible as possible with our time and services. With a love of storytelling, a background in writing and recording and an awareness of the difficulties and sadness that can surround a loss in communication through old age or a terminal illness we believe that the service offered by My Own Words can bring both joy and practical support into people’s lives. We will always be a work in progress; learning, adapting, open to new ideas.
As time has passed it has become increasingly clear that there is no time like the present to make the time to tell our stories. None of us know what is round the corner.
We are a local service, based in Sheffield, on the edge of the Peak District and keen to share the joy that this type of oral history can bring.
Lloyds School of Social Entrepreneurs recognised the importance of this project and has supported it since its early days in 2017.
Our Mission
Telling Our Stories
Being able to tell our own story engenders confidence and positivity. Not only does it bring physical and emotional benefits to the story teller, it can be historical, entertaining, humorous and fun. The recording or documenting of stories via voice recording, writing, filming, music, photographs or a more tactile personalised art work can help maintain communication in the present and the future.
Losing our communication skills can be a terrifying prospect. This can be caused by an illness, an accident or one of the numerous degenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s, MND or a form of Dementia. We can lose our actual physical ability to speak or we can lose the way we access, choose and use words.
Circle of Support
An individual’s circle of support has a ripple effect beginning with family and close friends but quickly extends to neighbours, carers, professionals and the wider community. All of these people will benefit from our services.
Creating A Better World
My Own Words gives people who are losing their voices, a voice. It provides a narrative, a story, something tangible that others can relate to and build on. It ensures that as an individual’s communication methods alter we are in a better place to understand and adapt. It means we remain connected.
Our Values
Dignity
We allow time and space for expression by being non-judgemental, correct and courteous at all times. We acknowledge the unique journey an individual has been on to reach this point and the challenges an individual could face to perform the simplest tasks.
Respect
My Own Words provides a professional service. We are communicative, careful, organised, punctual and reliable.
Patience
People tell their stories in their own time. Being patient is an important part of listening and key to true communication.
Inclusivity
Inclusion, diversity and equality provide a greater mix of skills, experiences and perspectives. These concepts are crucial to the development of My Own Words and our involvement in communities.