Healing Narratives: Wellspring's Innovative Workshops
In the latest episode of our podcast, we explore the transformative power of storytelling with Wellspring Alberta, a charity dedicated to supporting individuals with cancer and their caregivers. The episode features Wellspring Program Coordinator Bobbi Fridfinnson, who delves into the journey of harnessing personal narratives as a means of healing and building community. Wellspring Alberta offers digital storytelling workshops that empower participants to share their profound life experiences.
Have a look at what programs Wellspring Alberta has to offer.
Bobbi shares her personal connection to Wellspring, tracing back to a fundraising ride in 2007, which sparked her enduring passion for the organization. She discusses how Wellspring's mission has evolved over the years, particularly in response to the challenges posed by the pandemic. The digital storytelling workshops, initiated by Mike Lang and now led by Melody Williamson, have become a cornerstone of Wellspring's offerings, providing a platform for participants to craft meaningful stories through voiceover narration and personal imagery.
These workshops are not merely about creating stories; they are about creating connections and fostering a sense of belonging. Participants are encouraged to share their narratives, which often touch on deeply personal and emotional topics, such as the intersection of a cancer diagnosis with issues like engaging with youth, as exemplified by Natalie's Story. The camaraderie that develops during the workshops culminates in final screenings, where participants come together to celebrate their achievements and the supportive community they have built.
Moreover, the episode highlights how these personal narratives extend beyond the workshops, reaching broader audiences through platforms like film festivals. This exposure offers a richer, more interactive experience than simply viewing stories online, allowing for meaningful dialogue and connection. The involvement of Wellspring staff and volunteers, many of whom have personal ties to cancer, further enriches the diversity of voices within this supportive community.
Watch more digital stories from Wellspring Alberta here.
Throughout the episode, Kristy and Bobbi emphasize the therapeutic nature of storytelling, highlighting its role in providing emotional and mental well-being for participants. The digital storytelling workshops are designed to be therapeutic in intent, allowing individuals to create legacies through their stories, which they can choose to share with their loved ones or keep private. The flexibility and personal agency afforded by these workshops are crucial in fostering a safe and supportive environment for participants.
Episode 28 Key Messages
What is Wellspring? 0:56
Bobbi Fridfinnson explains that Wellspring Alberta is a charity supporting people with cancer and their caregivers. It offers free programs aimed at emotional and mental well-being, stress reduction, coping strategies, and community connection. Wellspring has two locations in Calgary and one in Edmonton.Digital Storytelling at Wellspring 3:37
Digital storytelling workshops started 10 years ago with Mike Lang, inspired by his work with Young Adult Cancer Canada. Wellspring adopted the program, recognizing its benefits for members. The workshops remain a popular therapeutic offering.Impact of Digital Storytelling 8:25
The workshops are therapeutic and focused on creating a personal legacy. Participants decide how to use their stories—whether to share them with family, friends, or on Wellspring’s YouTube channel—or to keep them private.Community and Diversity in Workshops 15:48
Workshops include a diverse range of participants, from caregivers to individuals at different stages of their cancer journeys. This diversity enhances the storytelling process by encouraging participants to share and connect through their unique experiences.
Wellspring’s Film Festival 16:59
Wellspring hosts a digital storytelling film festival as part of its speaker series. Participants can voluntarily share their stories in this setting, which fosters connection and mutual understanding among attendees through shared experiences and breakout discussions.
The podcast also touches on the technical aspects of the workshops, discussing the shift from a weekend-intensive format to an eight-week model. This evolution allows for a more in-depth exploration of personal narratives and offers participants the time and space needed to reflect on their experiences. The workshops are accessible both in-person and online, broadening their reach and enabling participation from individuals in rural communities.
Ultimately, the episode serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that sharing our truths can have on the world. By distilling complex life experiences into concise narratives, participants not only gain personal insights but also contribute to a collective dialogue that fosters understanding and empathy. Through storytelling, Wellspring Alberta continues to build a resilient and supportive community, one story at a time.
About Co-Created
Co-Created is a podcast that takes you behind the scenes of digital storytelling. On each episode, host Kristy Wolfe dives into conversations with the storytellers and facilitators who bring digital stories to life.
If this particular conversation resonated with you, tell a friend or a colleague about Co-Created or share one of the digital stories we were talking about. You can find the stories here.
Co-Created is presented by Common Language DST, digital storytelling facilitation training for health and wellness changemakers and is supported by the team at Snack Labs.
