Living Legends: 60 Years of Living in Newham
From "People Powered Forest Gate & Maryland"
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Description
“I’ve got stories in me, but I’ve never had the chance to speak them out loud…’ - Consulted participant
With Newham’s rapidly ageing population, there is a risk that integral stories, grassroots activism and rich cultural heritage will become lost in time. Living Legends seeks to change this narrative.
Delivered by Jazanne Arts in partnership with local cultural practitioners, Living Legends is a creative storytelling project. It is designed to honour and amplify the voices of Newham’s elders through the recognition of their individual and collective contribution to Newham over the last 60 years. The project invites elders aged 60+ to engage with themes of migration, work and family through a series of reminiscence workshops. Through drama, music, poetry and writing sessions, these voices will be preserved. This will culminate into a professionally produced legacy book and public launch with live events and online resources throughout the process.
Living Legends provides an invaluable opportunity to recognise the local legends living amongst us whilst offering opportunities to strengthen personal community connections, build self-esteem and develop new creative skills. By doing so, the project directly combats isolation, supports wellbeing, and strengthens visibility, value, and trust across the Forest Gate community and beyond.