100 Stories Project: From Stories to System Change
The 100 Stories Project Celebration Event brought together children and young people, families, practitioners, leaders, academics, and partners from across North Wales to reflect on the power of storytelling as a tool for change.
The event marked the launch of the 100 Stories Project Report and accompanying Storytelling Toolkit, two resources designed not only to capture lived experience but to support organisations to turn listening into meaningful action. Created with young adults, rather than about them, the project demonstrates how stories can provide rich evidence about what matters most to those navigating services and systems.
Link to Report and Toolkit: 100 Stories - Agenda
Across the 100 stories, participants identified ten key themes, including the challenges of navigating complex systems, difficulties accessing support after the age of 18, the need for greater understanding of neurodiversity, barriers created by policy and eligibility criteria, the importance of inclusive education, and the desire for genuine opportunities to thrive. Despite the diversity of individual experiences, a common message emerged: services work best when they are designed around people rather than systems.
The findings highlighted that trust is built through relationships, consistency and genuine engagement. The stories showed that while many young people value the support they receive, transitions between services, fragmented pathways and inflexible processes can create significant challenges. Young people called for support that grows with them, stronger co-production, and a system that responds to their experiences through action rather than further consultation.
The recommendations emerging from the project focus on:
- Resourcing participation and facilitation as a permanent organisational function rather than a short-term project.
- Designing support that grows with young people rather than ending abruptly at service boundaries.
- Demonstrating that participants' voices have been heard through visible action and accountability.
- Widening opportunities for co-production and participation.
- Strengthening the evidence cycle by combining storytelling with ongoing evaluation and improvement.
We were privileged to hear from the Children's Commissioner for Wales, who spoke passionately about the importance of ensuring children and young people's voices are heard and acted upon. Their contribution reinforced the significance of this work in promoting children's rights and creating opportunities for meaningful participation.
The event also featured a powerful contribution from Urtha Felda, independent member and champion for children and young people on the Betsi Cadwaladr Board, who challenged organisations to move beyond listening and towards coordinated system-wide action. Drawing on themes from the stories, Urtha highlighted that lasting change will require organisations, services and partners across North Wales to work together to address the barriers and inequalities identified by young people themselves.
The project would not have been possible without the commitment, vision and leadership shown across Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, whose support enabled this work to grow from an idea into a movement for change. The event recognised the importance of leadership that values lived experience and creates the conditions for authentic engagement and co-production.
Particular recognition was also given to the outstanding partnership with Wrexham University, whose collaboration strengthened the project and contributed significantly to the development of the report, evaluation and learning. The success of the 100 Stories Project reflects a truly collective effort involving numerous organisations, practitioners, community groups and young people from across North Wales, all united by a commitment to listening and learning together.
The response from attendees demonstrated the impact of the day:
"It was one of the most impactful days in my career." Wendy Pinder Head of Nursing
"Congratulations on this wonderful and important work." Rocio Cifuentes MBE
“You must be incredibly proud of what you have achieved.” Nina Ruddle Wrexham University Civic Mission
These reflections capture the profound effect that hearing directly from children and young people can have. The stories challenged assumptions, highlighted opportunities for improvement and reminded everyone present that behind every policy, pathway and process is a young person trying to navigate their life.
The 100 Stories Project led by Christy Hoskings Regional Patient Experience Lead for Children’s Services has shown that stories are much more than personal experiences. Collectively, they represent evidence, insight, and a call to action. The newly launched report and Storytelling Toolkit provide a foundation for organisations seeking to strengthen participation, improve services and ensure that decisions are informed by the voices of those most affected by them.
The evidence is here. The voices have been heard. The challenge now is for all of us to work together to ensure these stories lead to lasting system change across North Wales.
If you would like to learn more about the Project or get involved with our community of practice please contact Christy.hoskings@wales.nhs.uk
Our 100 Stories Podcasting Series is also coming soon!