Telling Stories

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” – Maya Angelou 

We are a nation of storytellers, the oral (and pictorial) tradition dating back centuries. Why do we do it? Well, because the world can feel a bit isolated otherwise – particularly for those trying to access support or foster understanding for themselves or their loved ones within ever tightening constraints.  

Stories have the power to heal, soothe, educate, connect, disturb and inspire. We use stories to convey messages, share knowledge, serve warnings and connect people together. It is in telling our stories we find connections and – in short – realise we are not alone.  

It’s no accident that the communications team in C-Change Scotland are called StoryWorks. As an organisation, we believe in the power of stories to change perceptions, to reach out beyond the echo chamber, as well as to call out injustice and defend human rights.   

When reading and listening to accounts of people with learning disabilities being housed in institutional settings, for example, one of the major themes which struck a chord with me was people being stripped of their stories. In some cases stripped of their names, their belongings, significant dates and connections and any sense of narrative or control over their own life and choices. Telling these stories can be painful but it is vital we understand the injustice and abuse to ensure this can never happen again. 

Then, there are the stories that entertain and delight, the ones that flip our idea of what’s possible on its head. Check out our blogs this week for the extraordinary ordinary stories of the wonderful people, we are proud to work for as well as our colleagues and friends. 

Keep telling stories, it’s how we build connections and understanding. It’s how we retain the belief that better is possible, for all of us.