Caring Connections is a digital storytelling project that connects our young volunteers with older generations. Established in 2011, the aim is to maintain a living history project, bringing members of local society together.
Background
When the Second World War broke out in 1939, St John Ambulance and the British Red Cross formed the ‘Joint War Organisation.’ It provided vital support to the Armed Forces Medical Services, and St John youth members were drafted in to care for part of the nation’s medical and welfare needs.
Creating connections
Our Cadets gathered information about St John Cymru Wales during World War II from individuals who lived through the conflict. These unique memories were used to create a timeline of events.
Cadets interviewed elderly individuals before editing and transcribing the information to produce digital stories. These were shared on the Caring Connections Blog and compiled into a printed memory book.
In return for their time, the Cadets helped them to get online by producing basic guidelines for using a PC, and using the Internet to search for information and keep in touch with family and friends. The Cadets found this to be a great project and learned a great deal about what life was like during the war.
You can view a selection of the digital stories that were made in North, South, Mid and West Wales by clicking on the region’s link.