The Big Stories Program
An innovative life storytelling program designed for aged care communities.
At the heart of great aged care is the person: their story, their personality, their relationships, their memories and the experiences that have made them who they are.
The Big Stories Program gives aged care communities a meaningful way to discover and celebrate those stories.
Through reminiscence, storytelling and filmmaking, residents reflect on their lives, connect with others and create a short film about a story that matters to them.
It’s creative. It’s social. It’s fun. Families can be involved too. And at the end, residents have something meaningful and lasting to share.
One program. Meaningful benefits for residents, families and the people who care for them.
What is the Big Stories Program?
The Big Stories Program is a fully guided, three-part life storytelling program designed for aged care communities.
Residents, staff and families are supported to reflect on meaningful life stories, record them simply using a smartphone or tablet, and come together to share and celebrate them.
Built around Reflect, Record and Celebrate, the program combines reminiscence, creativity, social connection and family involvement, while creating something meaningful and lasting: a collection of life stories that might otherwise go untold.
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 our aged care partners say
In September 2026, the inaugural Big Stories Program culminated in a special community screening at Twilight Aged Care, celebrating the stories created by residents and their families.
Here’s what Twilight Aged Care CEO Niamh Mannion had to say about the program and its impact.
What residents and families are saying
“It’s just beautiful.”
Hear from Isabella, who supported her parents take part 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?