Untold Stories is a lived experience storytelling project which provides opportunities for UNSW students to share their personal experiences and journey to recovery to help and inspire others going through similar experiences.
We are collecting stories from the UNSW community which we will later share. Stories from the heart that discuss your own experience of living with or overcoming a mental health challenge or supporting someone else who has experienced a mental health challenge.
Do you have a story about facing or overcoming a mental health challenge you would like to share?
Stories capture our attention; they have the power to change how we think and feel. They are the narrative that shape our understanding of the world. They can help us learn about common experiences and can make us feel less isolated and alone. Stories have the power to uplift us, to make us laugh, make us cry – collectively they have the power to create change.
For someone experiencing a mental health crisis they may even encourage them to seek help.
Why should I get involved?
- Talking about your own experiences can promote your own wellbeing, and the wellbeing of those who hear your story
- Sharing your story of your lived experience of mental ill-health can help reduce stigma and give others a greater understanding of living with mental ill-health
- You will receive a digital copy of photos and a final copy of the story with the photo.
How will my story be used?
The stories will be displayed alongside a photograph at the UNSW Campuses in 2024 as an external exhibit. They may also feature in UNSW publications and potentially on social media as well as in a digital exhibit.
There is no guarantee that submitted stories will be published but they will all be read. We will let you know if we intend to share your story and confirm with you that you are comfortable with it being shared. We may need to make minor changes to the story but will not change the overall tone or feel of what you have shared. For example, we may edit them for spelling/grammar, conciseness or privacy concerns.
Photographs
If your story is successful a professional photographer will take a photograph of you to sit alongside your story. This photograph will represent your story but does not have to show your face if you choose for your story to be anonymous.
The professional photo shoot will occur during a time and location convenient to the photographer and yourself (likely UNSW Kensington campus). You will be given a digital copy of the photograph used for the external art exhibition.
Anonymity
That’s right you don’t have to include your name. If you have a story to share, but you don’t want your name included that’s ok, you can opt not to have your personal details included.
Submit your story
Click on the button below and complete the form. For any questions or further information, contact the UNSW Health Promotion Unit at [email protected].
What participants say:
Untold Stories has had a huge positive impact on me. I felt very supported throughout the initial training stage. Exercises like reflecting on my boundaries as a storyteller and listing my key messages allowed me to create a story that was clear, impactful, and safe for both myself and the audience. I also had many opportunities to practice sharing my story, initially with small audiences, which helped build my confidence. From writing and sharing my story, I learned to further accept myself and my mental health journey. Even though I aimed to send a hopeful message, I was also able to honour and dignify my struggles. Ultimately, I think my story emphasised my strengths and my growth, which was very empowering. I would highly encourage anyone who is curious to take part in the program. You will be able to help people who have similar experiences as you, and you’ll gain a lot from it too.”
- Untold Stories 2020 participant.
Standard program
Interested in learning how to craft your own story and be mentored through this process? You'll be trained in the story-sharing process, learn skills in public speaking, and have the opportunity to share a longer version of your story in front of different audiences. Submit your expressions of interest and we'll be in touch with you when the next training is running. Find out more below!
Learn more
Why should I get involved?
- Talking about your own experiences can promote your own wellbeing, and the wellbeing of those who hear your story
- Learn how to successfully create an engaging story
- Develop film making skills such as sound, light and composition
- Build confidence in public speaking
- Be recognised as a Untold Stories Participant (UNSW Advantage accredited)
What’s involved?
Step 1: Complete the Expression of Interest form with a short summary of your story you wish to share
Step 2: Have a confidential call with a member of UNSW Psychology and Wellness or Student Advisor to discuss your story and suitability for the program.
Step 3: Attend the training day
Step 4: Attend one to one coaching with a member of the training team
Step 5: Share your story to inspire other students and give hope for recovery.
Training
Training is delivered face to face over one day at UNSW. You will learn about the story boarding process, what is appropriate to share and how to respond to questions and feedback. You will have the opportunity to practice sharing your story with a partner and with the training group.
Following the training you will have access to one-to-one coaching sessions which will help you tweak and finalise your stories, build your confidence in speaking in public and on camera.
How do I get involved?
Please complete the general expression of interest form and we will be in touch to provide more information about the program and the next steps once we have opened the next intake.
Please note that for your and others safety students will go through a screening process to make sure that you are ready to share your story and that you are a good fit for the program. By completing the training, you are not obligated to share your story in public. You have the right to withdraw from the program at any stage, and your wellbeing is our priority.