Features / Podcast
Lockdown podcast celebrates ‘positive moments and memories’
A community podcast made in east Bristol is celebrating positive moments and memories from across the city.
Held in Common is a new project from The Network, a community development project formed of Wellspring Settlement, St Werburgh’s City Farm and the Somali Resource Centre.
Held in Common seeks to celebrate unexpectedly positive things that have happened during the pandemic throughout all of Bristol’s communities.
is needed now More than ever
Each week the team are asking the people of Bristol to send them an audio clip of a positive silver-lining moment which fits that week’s theme.
The project is led by Polly Tisdall, a professional storyteller and area coordinator at The Network.
The podcast is telling feel-good stories from the people of Bristol. Image: Polly Tisdall
“As a traditional storyteller and storytelling trainer, I’ve long been interested in the power of the stories we tell ourselves, as individuals, as communities and as a society,” Polly explains.
“I believe that in sharing positive moments in our experience we can begin to change our narrative for the better – which seeds hope. Hope can motivate us to take positive actions and keep going, even in difficult times.”
So far, four episodes have been recorded through members of the public sending in WhatsApp voice notes, which Polly has edited together. The first episode goes live on May 1.
Since the lockdown began, Polly has noted the increased importance and reliance of community projects, such as The Network in Easton and Lawrence Hill, and the power that they have to bring people together.
The Network supports the communities of Easton and Lawrence Hill. Photo: Simon Holliday
“When the coronavirus outbreak happened and my work with The Network had to change – because I couldn’t knock on peoples’ doors to talk to residents anymore – I felt what was needed was something which people could contribute to and listen to, which celebrated all the positive energy in Bristol’s communities.
“There are so many brilliant and generous community initiatives happening and I wanted to create a space to recognise Bristol residents and their experiences, using story.”
The Network are asking people from across Bristol to send contributions via WhatsApp voice note by finishing a simple statement and sending it to 07545 557001.
Full instructions and the latest themes and episode deadlines are at www.bartonhillsettlement.org.uk/held-in-common-podcast
If residents don’t have a smart phone or WhatsApp, they can still contribute by calling 07545 557001 or emailing pollyt@thenetworkbbristol.org.uk
Main photo: The Network
Read more: Helping Barton Hill through the coronavirus pandemic
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