Making Stories: The Role of Regional Campuses in Community Storytelling

Many people wish to write their personal story. Even if there is access to a digital device or a pad and pencil, however, there is not always the physical or cognitive capacity to undertake the task. Often, too, people do not know how to write it – how to start and what to write. A community workshop, designed to help people write their story, was held at Makers’ Workshop in Burnie, with about 20 people attending over two days. Through this event, run by the University of Tasmania Cradle Coast campus, it became clear that there was a real need in the community to tell stories of personal experiences. A Tasmanian Community Fund grant enabled such workshops to be held in three North-West Coast aged care facilities and two community houses. Recording of memories was achieved through writing, where physical and cognitive abilities permitted, or by the facilitator taking and transcribing notes, when they didn’t. Forty-three residents (28 female, 15 male, average age 79) participated at aged care facilities, in four 1.5-hour blocks. Nineteen members (3 male, 16 female, average age 59) participated at community houses in two 3-hour blocks. Some went on to further writing. There was evidence of improved well-being in some of the aged care residents. Most participants and their institutions expressed a desire for further such projects. Although these have not yet eventuated, the project illustrates the value of a close connection between a university and the community