Introducing the…
Big Stories Program
A three-part storytelling program for aged care communities, empowering older Australians to recognise the value of their stories and preserve them using a smartphone
Many older Australians would love to preserve a story for their family, but they're not sure where to begin.
The Big Stories Program is designed to make that first step simple.
Rather than asking someone to tell their entire life story, the program gently guides participants to choose one meaningful memory, reflect on it, and record it as a short film using a smartphone or tablet.
Over three supported sessions, participants discover the value of their stories, gain confidence using simple technology, and enjoy sharing a special memory with the people they love.
Sometimes, preserving a family legacy begins with just one story.
How the program works
The Big Stories Program is a three-part workshop delivered in aged care communities over three weeks. Each session runs for two hours and gently guides participants through remembering, recording and celebrating one meaningful story.
Session 1 – REFLECT
Participants explore why their stories matter, choose a memory prompt and begin reflecting with the help of their complimentary Big Stories Journal.
Session 2 – RECORD
Residents record a short keepsake film using a smartphone or tablet, with guidance and support throughout the process. Favourite photographs can also be included.
Session 3 – CELEBRATE
Family, friends and the community are invited to a special screening where participants' finished films are celebrated together.
What participants are saying
“It’s just beautiful.”
Hear from Isabella, who supported her parents take par in the Big Stories Program, and why recording these moments matters for families and future generations.
The Big Stories Program in action
Photography: Matthew Smeal
Bring the Big Stories Program to your community
The Big Stories Program is now available to aged care communities interested in giving residents a meaningful and accessible way to preserve and share their stories.
The three-part program is designed to be simple for aged care teams to implement, with Big Stories Little Films providing the program structure, resources, facilitation and support along the way.
Whether your residents are confident with technology or have never recorded themselves before, the program gently guides them through the process from first memory to finished film.
Interested in running the Big Stories Program at your aged care community?