Ellipsis

Edinburgh’s relationship with alcohol

Summary of project

Ellipsis is a creative participatory research project using peer research and documentary filmmaking to explore people's relationship with alcohol in Edinburgh and to create a series of recommendations for better service provision and support for people.

The project came out of a document  created by Dr Linda Fitzpatrick about  using  storytelling to  provide insights into how to solve some of the more intractable and persistent problems in healthcare provision in Edinburgh. Ethical approval for the project was provided by Queen Margaret University. The project is a partnership between Queen Margaret University, Linda Fitzpatrick, Media Education, the lead Researcher Briege Nugent, peer researcher Ryan Anderson  and the many people who contributed their creativity, experiences and insights. 

Our approach

Building on the research report, Media Education worked with 4 lived experience collaborators to create 4 short films exploring their own relationship with alcohol.

The creative work contributed further to the research finds and you can read the report here - 

Edinburgh’s Relationship with Alcohol

Over the next year we will be screening the films, presenting the research and holding facilitated discussion events on the findings. If you would like us to visit you to hold an event  or if you would like to come to an event we are holding, please get in touch with kate@mediaeducation.co.uk

Films

Being Sober

by Ryan (Excerpt from full film)

Freedom

by Paddy

This Pursuit of Happiness

by Sher

One Life Left

by Simon

  • “Working in partnership with Media Education was one of the most rewarding experiences for both our staff and service users. The Media Ed workers were supportive, gentle, encouraging and enthusiastic; taking some very vulnerable women and coaching them through the process of producing their own film about a difficult subject.”

    Jan Ferguson, Edinburgh Women's Aid, Shakti Women's Aid

  • “From the outset, I have been struck by the strength of the ethos of Media Education’s approach. Adopting a film creation process that is very respectful of the lives and issues of people and communities and using empowering methods has been ideal for what we are trying to achieve.”

    Dr Trevor Lakey, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

  • “The team at Media Education have been invaluable to us, offering a flexible programme which engages young people at their own pace; encourages team work; embraces learning and new ideas; builds confidence; and encourages young people to complete a project, perhaps for the first time in their lives.”

    Karen Brown, East Lothian Works

  • “Media Education made the process fun, easy and fulfilling. Our community were central to the development of the idea, the content and the final film that was produced. We would not hesitate working with them again and look forward to future collaborations.”

    Georgia Artus, LifeCare Edinburgh

  • “Perhaps the most important aspect related to my work is that the children, families and practitioners who have been involved in filming have felt well supported by Media Education staff – they may have been nervous at first but have felt relaxed and happy at the end of the filming process.”

    Elaine Kerridge, Children in Scotland

  • “Media Education has worked with us for over nine years on the Scottish Young Carers Festival to run the radio station and to produce a consultation video. When we’ve got this resource, decision makers and local authorities can hear directly from the young carers. It’s a really powerful tool.”

    Lorna Goodwin, Carers Trust Scotland

  • “Media Education captured lots of special moments when they made several short films with the National Involvement Network. Film is a great way to share the stories of the people we support and our members loved the whole experience, especially when they got a chance to work the camera and sound recorder!”

    Brid Cullen, ARC Scotland

  • “The team at Media Education dealt with the people that we interviewed in a very compassionate and empathetic way. You don’t know that sort of thing on a piece of paper, it’s only when you see them working in action.”

    Kirstie Cusick, National Lottery Promotions Unit

  • “Being able to hear what people said in their own words and voices brought key points to life for different audiences. I was impressed with Media Education’s ability to understand what we needed very quickly, help make people feel comfortable on camera, edit to key messages and ultimately produce a very moving film.”

    Zoe Ferguson, Carnegie UK Trust

  • “Media Education listen to what the client or trainees needs are, make well considered suggestions and deliver according to time and budget. Each of my interactions garnered excellently produced, professional results – from detailed quotes to highly rated, popular training sessions – and was exceedingly good value.”

    Ailsa Macfarlane, Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage

  • “I was impressed with how well Media Education engaged with our membership and staff as well as how flexible and adaptable they were in ensuring everyone felt comfortable in front of the camera. The videos are of exceptional quality and have projected our services in a vibrant, emotive and engaging presentation.”

    Gary Seath, Scottish War Blinded

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Thrive