Supporting a community through storytelling

I was hired as a social reporter by Podnosh to document community activity and support for a Heritage Lottery Fund bid to transform a derelict listed building into a community centre in Birmingham.

I worked closely with community engagement specialist Suzanne Carter to uncover wonderful stories and memories of the old Stirchley public baths and swimming pool.

Drawing on my journalism experience and community building work with A Little Bit of Stone, I interviewed dozens of local people, documenting their stories in audio, video and written blog posts on the Stirchley Baths website, creating engaging, shareable content that brought an important part of a community’s history – and its future – to life.

“The people Jamie met to share their stories all thoroughly enjoyed spending time with him. He’s a natural connector and did a wonderful job – and yes, the building got the grant”
– Nick Booth, Podnosh managing director