Silver Lining
Finding the workable thread inside a hard situation
About this project
Finding the workable thread inside a hard situation, without pretending the situation isn't hard. Run across Bentilee in 2023, in person and online.
Noticing, not pretending
The project's AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot walked people through a short process: name the difficulty first, since feeling upset or frustrated is normal, then look for what might still be useful inside it: a lesson, a shift in perspective, or the part of the situation still within their control.
What we did
We worked across Bentilee, in person and online:
- In-person sessions at the Bentilee Neighbourhood Centre and other community spaces.
- A Silver Lining Cloud Display, where people wrote a challenge and its silver lining on cloud-shaped cards.
- An AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot that helped people spot silver linings in everyday life and pointed them towards wellbeing resources.
- A partnership with the Workers' Educational Association (WEA) for digital-skills support, so the online side didn't leave anyone behind.
Thanks to Our Funders
Funded by Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Make it Happen Fund for VAST Community Health Champions.
