We are all storytellers

“Stories are the most human form of advocacy, they break barriers, shift perceptions, and build empathy.” Be McCarroll, CEO

After visiting Havencare services across Cornwall, I left with a full heart (and full stomach!) But more than the rich cake and rugged coastlines, what I’ll remember are the stories, tales of loss, love, grit and triumph.

Tea and stories

Over cups of strong Cornish tea, I listened as people we support spoke with pride, sadness and laughter about the roads they have travelled:

• One individual described the thrill of passing their driving test and the freedom of their first drive.
• Three people chatted about celebrating 10-years with Havencare (their Haveniversary?!)
• Another proudly recalled moving into private accommodation after being a long-stay hospital patient.
• Others shared the joy of finding jobs they love, talents they never knew they had, or finding a sense of belonging through community events, sports, and activities.

Every story was different, but each was stitched with the same thread; growing independence, courage in the face of change, and perseverance through life-changes.

What I heard will stay with me.

The threads that connect us

For over 36,000 years, stories have connected humans, from the prehistoric cave walls where our ancestors shared their lives, to the powerful narratives we tell today.

At Havencare, this timeless storytelling tradition continues. Since joining the charity, I’ve seen how the stories we tell connect colleagues and the people we support across Devon and Cornwall and far beyond the Tamar. Stories like Ally’s 20-year journey with Havencare, or the reunion between M and L  have a special impact. More than graphs or statistics, they help people understand the challenges faced by those with learning disabilities, brain injury or autism, and show the real impact of personalised support.

So, to everyone in our sector; we are all storytellers. Your experiences,  insights and memories matter. Telling them can help transform how the world understands our work and the people we support.

If you have a story you would like to share, and are happy for it to be told, please contact hannah.rudd@havencare.com.

Be McCarroll, CEO