Real Stories. Real Change.
Barnardo's
Role: Creative Direction, Illustration, Animation Production, AR Production
Brief
Barnardo’s needed a way to share the real stories of young people supported by their Bristol services. Stories that were personal, human, and powerful enough to reach the community they support in an accessible and innovative way.
Approach
Looking for a fresh way to reach their audience, together, we landed on the idea of an AR experience. Working closely with their team and a scriptwriter, we developed three characters, each shaped by the stories of young people supported by Bristol Barnardo's services. I illustrated the characters, then produced the animations in collaboration with an animator. From there, I built a prototype for the AR experience. I then produced posters and postcards that made the AR experience accessible via a QR code, giving the project broader reach within the community and beyond.
Tianna’s Story
Tianna was 16 when she was groomed and exploited by an older boy, whom she thought she was in a relationship with. With support from Barnardo’s Against Child Exploitation, she began to understand that she was experiencing abuse and harm rather than love and safety.
Tianna was supported by professionals to break the cycle of trauma bonding and worked with her case worker to understand the signs of exploitation and increase safety
Jude’s Story
Jude is 14 and grew up in a home which didn’t always feel safe. Jude would often take on the role of carer for his dad, who had problematic alcohol use and often spent time in adult environments. Jude’s vulnerabilities and the lack of safety were exploited by older men in his community.
With support from Barnardo's Against Child Exploitation, he was able to talk about his experiences and begin living a life free from harm, recognising that none of this was his fault.
Suzette’s Story
Suzette is 19 and transgender female. Growing up, parts of her identity were misunderstood at home, leaving her searching for acceptance. This desire to be accepted and loved, unfortunately, resulted in Suzette being at risk of exploitation and grooming.
After experiencing abuse, she came to Barnardo’s Against Child Exploitation, where, over two years, she was supported to understand safe relationships, process the trauma she experienced and rebuild her confidence.
Outcome
The project brought three powerful personal stories to life in an innovative and accessible way. It helped young people see that support is there, no matter what they're going through. For others facing similar struggles, these stories offer something rare - a chance to feel seen, understood, and hopeful. Rooted in local community work in Bristol, the project shows how a national charity like Barnardo's can reach deep into the communities that need it most.