Voices PoDcast

Giving children the gift of wonderful stories everyday

Every night millions of children go to bed without a bedtime story.

Voices podcast was created as a way of connecting creative story tellers of all ages to children in hospital.

When a child is in hospital often mum or dad has to go home in the evening to look after their brothers and sisters. This means many children are without the opportunity to be able to hear a great story at bedtime.

Being able to escape the reality of ward life and go on a journey to magical forests, ancient cities and other amazing adventures is essential for the healing journey of each child. Stories are a wonderful distraction from the every day challenges that being in hospital brings. They also bring great comfort to the parents that their child can be connected to a community that cares about them.

We love telling stories

As a community we have really loved having stories told to us, and reading stories. We are very lucky that Noah’s granny and grandad read to Noah most nights, he loves going on all sorts of adventures, especially the ones that make him giggle.

He also loves to tell stories. We are very grateful to our beautiful mates who have let us read to their lovely little ones, it’s such a joy. We started to record stories to send to friends far away too for their kids to listen too.

But then we thought…hang on! We need more people! If we can get everyone to make up and then read just one story we would have millions of brand new tales ready to go, anytime anyone wanted to hear a new adventure.

Would you like to tell us a story?

We would like to offer your child the opportunity to be part of the Voices Podcast. We are looking for original stories, written by your child, that are 3 - 15 minutes long that your child will then read for the podcast. Stories can be about anything you like. From superheroes and fairy tales to adventures and animals we are so excited to hear what you come up with!

This might be the first story you have ever written or you might have a whole book full of new stories from your imagination. Just write the sort of story you love at bedtime and yes it can be funny too. You will record this in your own home (don't worry it's super easy instructions are down this page) and then send it to me kat@empowermentethos.com

I have a question!

How can I listen to the stories right now?

You can do one of three things.

You can click on the box below where is says Voices and be taken to the whole podcast.

You can cut and paste this link into your browser https://open.spotify.com/show/2OLjomyNDOzOUDYQXYLEpC

OR you can search “Voices Kat Barlow” in your Spotify app.

Make sure you click FOLLOW so you never miss a new story!

How can I send you my story?

There are a few ways you can record your story at home and then send us the file.

IPHONE: If you have an iphone all you need to do is open the voice memo app that comes standard with the phone. Plug in some ordinary phone headphones and find yourself a quiet spot. Then press the red button and start recording!

Just say “Hi my name is (first name only please) and I am ……years old and here is my story called…….and then tell us your story!”

When you have finished all you need to do it Type your story name and child’s name where it says “New recording” and then press the three dots on the left hand side to share

Then email it to me. You can send it to kat@empowermentethos.com

ANDROID: Most android phones also have a voice memo app installed on the phone. If you can’t find one I recommend voice recorder which is free on google play. Then follow the same instructions above!

https://www.wikihow.com/Record-Audio-on-a-Mobile-Phone is a super helpful place for Mac and PC for more information.

What if I make a mistake and what should I say?

Don’t worry at all if you make a mistake. Make sure you write out your story and keep practicing before you record and I am sure you will be just fine. If you do make a mistake just keep going :-) It’s ok! Just as if you were reading to your friend we don’t mind at all. We are here to have fun and tell stories. Let us know when you send the story where you feel you got jumbled up as you were reading and we can also edit it out for you. BUT we often leave in little things as it’s all part of the reading and listening experience. It’s part of the joy of listening to your story.

WE CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR YOUR STORY!

Please think of your most favourite stories that you like at bedtime and write us a story like that. Your imagination is the best and we can’t wait to hear what you come up with!

PLEASE USE THE FORM BELOW IF YOU STILL HAVE ANY QUESTIONS :-)