Empowering Young Patients: Alder Hey and DaDa’s Inspirational Animation Project
Alder Hey Children’s Charity and DaDa Disability and Deaf Arts have worked together for three years to help young patients create an animation film. This project, called ‘Alder Experiences’, held its premiere this week at Alder Hey Hospital.
Commissioned by DaDa, the initiative involved young patients partnering with Twin Vision, a Liverpool-based film company led by disabled artists. The animation reflects the real experience of a child at Alder Hey, mixed with imaginative elements to inspire creativity.
Participants received individual and group training in animation techniques, allowing them to design characters for the film. One parent shared the positive impact on their daughter’s mental health, noting how it provided focus and helped her connect with others. The project boosted her confidence and led her to college with a new circle of friends.
The collaboration began in 2018, initially offering one-on-one artistic sessions for young outpatients. With funding from Liverpool City Council and Arts Council England, the program expanded its reach, helping more young people improve their mental health through creative activities.
How has the ‘Alder Experiences’ project evolved since its inception in 2018 to better support young patients?
Interview with Rachel Rogers, Executive Producer at DaDa Disability and Deaf Arts
NewsDirectory3: Thank you for joining us today, Rachel. Congratulations on the successful premiere of ‘Alder Experiences’. Can you share what motivated this collaboration with Alder Hey Children’s Charity?
Rachel Rogers: Thank you for having me! The motivation for our collaboration stemmed from a shared goal of supporting young patients through creative expression. We recognized the therapeutic power of art, particularly for those facing challenges related to disability or health issues. By partnering with Alder Hey, we aimed to create a project that not only engages young patients but also empowers them through the medium of animation.
NewsDirectory3: That’s wonderful to hear. What were some of the key activities and training that participants engaged in during this project?
Rachel Rogers: Participants received both individual and group training in animation techniques, which included character design, storytelling, and filmmaking basics. We worked closely with Twin Vision, our Liverpool-based film company, ensuring that the training was accessible and engaging for all the young artists involved. It was incredible to see how these young minds took their real experiences and transformed them into imaginative characters and narratives.
NewsDirectory3: It’s impressive how creativity was interwoven with their experiences. Could you share a specific example of how participating in this project has impacted the young patients?
Rachel Rogers: One story that stands out is from a parent who mentioned how the project significantly improved their daughter’s mental health. They noted that the focus on creativity helped her connect with peers, build confidence, and even transition to college with a new circle of friends. Hearing such feedback reaffirms the importance of our work and the positive ripple effect it can have in their lives.
NewsDirectory3: The project has been running since 2018. What changes or expansions have you observed in the program over the years?
Rachel Rogers: Initially, we provided one-on-one artistic sessions for young outpatients, but with the sustained support from Liverpool City Council and Arts Council England, we’ve significantly expanded our reach. Now we’re assisting more young people, including those in long-term care or mental health services. This broader focus has allowed us to help even more individuals gain confidence and learn vital skills in animation and filmmaking.
NewsDirectory3: That’s an impactful growth trajectory. Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the continued partnership between DaDa and Alder Hey?
Rachel Rogers: We aspire to deepen our collaboration by continuously developing new projects that prioritize the voices and talents of disabled artists. The goal is to provide ongoing opportunities for young people to explore creativity, share their stories, and contribute to a more inclusive narrative in the arts. We want to ensure that this program keeps evolving to meet the needs of young patients and their families.
NewsDirectory3: Thank you, Rachel, for sharing these insights. It’s inspiring to see how art serves as a powerful tool for healing and expression within the community.
Rachel Rogers: Thank you! We are excited about the future and remain committed to supporting young artists as they navigate their unique journeys.
Rachel Rogers, DaDa’s executive producer, expressed pride in the partnership, emphasizing the goal of empowering disabled artists and providing opportunities for creativity.
Vicky Charnock, the arts for health manager at Alder Hey, noted that the program benefited long-term patients and those in mental health services. Participants gained confidence and learned new skills in animation and filmmaking.
The animation is displayed in Alder Hey’s waiting rooms, streamed on patient televisions, and is also available on the DaDa website.