Across our social media platforms, we shared moments from Voicing the Void’s inaugural Restorative Storytelling Festival - a celebration of voices, connection and understanding.

The festival brought together young people, refugees, and community members to share stories of resilience and belonging through theatre, film, and dialogue. Each day, we looked at a different voice and perspective, showing how storytelling can be a catalyst for empathy and change.

Here’s how we covered it:

Monday:

As the week began, we took a moment to think about the importance of Hate Crime Awareness Week – a time to remind ourselves that compassion and connection can overcome division. We looked at how storytelling brings people together and sets the stage for meaningful conversation.

Tuesday:

Next, we introduced Colm Teague, filmmaker, storyteller, and steering group member at Voicing the Void, as well as being a part of the co-design process for our Funding Futures Programme. His short film, RadicAlgorithm, explores how social media algorithms can fuel hate and radicalisation and why accountability in digital spaces matters.

Wednesday:

We then heard from Seba Barhoum, who fled the war in Syria and found her voice through storytelling. In conversation with Rory Doherty, founder and executive director of Voicing the Void, Seba shared how important storytelling is for understanding one another.

Thursday:

Continuing Seba’s journey, we spotlighted In Our Shoes - a powerful collaborative project exploring empathy and lived experience. Through short film and dialogue, it invites audiences to step into the realities of others, challenging bias and building compassion.

Friday:

We then met Margaret, whose views on immigration were transformed after hearing the stories of three women from Syria. Her ability to listen reshaped her understanding of her community - a reminder that empathy starts with conversation.

Saturday:

To close the week, we shared a performance of Margaret’s story, brought to life by an actor. The recording offered a moving glimpse behind the curtain of the Restorative Stories performance — a testament to how storytelling can change hearts and minds.

Monday:

Following the end of Hate Crime Awareness Week, we shared Colm’s film, RadicAlgorithm, which examines the role social media platforms play in radicalising individuals to the point where real-world acts of violence, destruction, and hate crime are committed - negatively affecting people’s livelihoods and the cohesion of communities.

A huge thank you to Voicing the Void and Rory Doherty, who's part of our Systems Change Programme in partnership with the Henry Smith Foundation.