Claudy – Bridging the Generations
Digital Storytelling Project

This Project was a collaboration between the Inside Out Girls Group and the Diamond Diners Group in Claudy. Members of both groups completed a Digital Storytelling Programme delivered through the Verbal Arts Centre. The programme provided those involved with the opportunity to voice their concerns and views on key community issues including community relations, community safety and rural isolation. Participants were presented with certificates in recognition of their achievement.

The Inside Out Programme is a pioneering project devised for young people which seeks to capture the imagination of the Youth of Claudy by providing an array of exciting activities. The programme embraces a variety of sporting, educational and recreational activities whilst maximizing youth involvement, interaction and enjoyment. Inside Out has a strong Cross-Community theme and provides an excellent congregation point for the young people in Claudy. The core focus of the Inside Out Project is to heighten personal confidence and to elevate the educational and employment aspirations of Young People in Claudy. Through the programme's repertoire of activities, pathways into education and employment are created and developed.

Diamond Diners is a day care service for older people which was established in September 2004. It enables Claudy Rural Development Association to cater for approximately 20 older people, 3 days per week. Diamond Diners provides, entertainment and activities like arts, crafts, knitting, bowls, computer classes and bingo. There is also provision for Tea upon arrival and lunch at 12:30pm. Transport is also available to bring clients to and from the Diamond Centre.

Those involved have created hard hitting factual stories based on their own knowledge and experiences, these stories explore different aspects of their locality. This work was then professionally edited by the Verbal Arts Centre to create the Digital Stories.

Luke McCloskey, Youth Development Coordinator with the Inside Out Project said “We felt this was an ideal opportunity to bring both groups together in a joint community initiative. Through this project both groups were able to explore Youth upbringing across generations. We wanted our young people to have a better perception of Claudy’s History and how it has shaped the Claudy we see today.”

Shay Clyde from The Diamond Diners added “This innovative project provided both groups with an opportunity to explore the history of Claudy and how it has changed over time. Our older people have been able to express through words and pictures, their thoughts on growing up in Claudy and how this has dramatically changed over generations.”

Sarah Lapsley, Education Services Coordinator at the Verbal Arts Centre says “This was a very interesting project that allowed the elder members of the community in Claudy to share their recollections with young people growing up in the area now. All involved should be proud of the stories produced which will be a lasting resource for all at the Diamond Centre in Claudy.”

Anyone wishing to take part in similar activities should contact Sarah at the Verbal Arts Centre on (028) 71266946. Copies of the DVD produced are available from the Diamond Centre, Claudy.