Learn inclusive, creative and playful methods for helping children and young people explore their life stories.
Led by Elena Miller.
Tickets: free for members, £50 for non-members.
Life story work is a powerful way to help care-experienced children and young people explore their past, understand their present, and imagine their future. But for many, talking about their story can feel overwhelming, daunting, or even inaccessible without the right support.
A high percentage of children in care have additional needs, which means traditional approaches may not always reach them. This makes it even more important to use inclusive, creative, and playful methods.
When we bring in art, storytelling, Makaton, and communication aids, we open up new opportunities for every young person to express themselves in ways that feel natural and meaningful.
This Live Classroom, led by Elena Joy Miller from Star Bright Arts and Associate Artist with Blue Cabin, will guide you through practical and imaginative ways to make life story work a positive experience.
You’ll explore how fun and exciting ice breaker activities can act as gentle doorways into a child’s world, helping to build trust before tackling more difficult subject matter.
From playful starting points to creative exercises that spark imagination, these approaches can transform life story work into a process that feels safe, empowering, and engaging.
This session is for foster carers, social workers, residential workers, and anyone supporting young people with their life stories.
When we provide the tools to express, create, and connect, we open the door for young people to see their stories not just as something to be told — but as something to be owned, celebrated, and understood.
“I always leave with something I can apply in my work or share with colleagues.”
Pens, paper, a plastic bowl, scissors, a playful spirit!
Elena has always been amazed at the power that the arts can have to bring change – whether that be to convey a message, allow voices to be heard or build confidence and abilities.
She has been honoured to be part of the Creative Life Story Work programme with Blue Cabin. She also has her own arts business, Star Bright Arts, which supports health and wellbeing through creative activities for children and young people, with a strong focus on sensory storytelling and play.
Elena lives with her teenage son just north of Newcastle in a teeny town called Seaton Burn. She can often be found making up daft songs on her ukulele, trying to remember important football facts and genuinely enjoying cold coffee!
This session will be held via Zoom.
We would encourage you to read this document for advice on how to access zoom particularly if you haven’t accessed zoom before. If you are planning on attending via a work device, you may need to seek access permission in advance.
You will receive a zoom link to access the live classroom at least 48hours before the live classroom takes place.
Feel free to contact us prior to the scheduled event date if you have any specific questions or requirements relating to access.
