A Yorkshire production house collaborates with artists from Shaun the Sheep and Paddington for a charity campaign.
- The campaign aims to raise awareness about loneliness during the festive season among the elderly.
- Re-engage, a charity supporting isolated older people, celebrates its 60th anniversary.
- The creative project features a short film highlighting Re-engage’s work through free tea parties and befriending services.
- Industry veterans David Bunting and Tom Stratford play pivotal roles in the project’s success.
A highly creative collaboration has formed between a Yorkshire production house and notable animators from Shaun the Sheep and Adventures of Paddington. The initiative is aimed at creating a poignant Christmas campaign for Re-engage, a charity focused on alleviating loneliness among the elderly.
Re-engage, known for supporting individuals aged 75 and over through initiatives like free tea parties and call befriending services, engaged Wetherby-based Reel Film to bring this heartfelt project to life. The charity, marking its 60th year, diligently works to bring companionship to over 7,000 older adults in the United Kingdom with the help of approximately 9,000 volunteers.
Remarkable artists David Bunting, associated with Aardman Animations, and Tom Stratford, known for his work on the Adventures of Paddington series, joined forces with Reel Film. Adam Chandler, founder of Reel Film, expressed delight in collaborating with such seasoned experts and praised their collective creativity and dedication to the project.
The result of this collaboration is a two-minute animation titled ‘Friendship: The Perfect Present for Peter.’ This short film narrates the story of an elderly man, Peter, who suffers from loneliness but finds hope and a new social life through Re-engage’s support services. Adam Chandler remarked on the power of the film to highlight the severe impact of loneliness and the charity’s instrumental role in addressing it.
Colette Mullings of Re-engage emphasised the motivational aspect of having seasoned professionals like Bunting and Stratford guiding the film, ensuring its inspirational message is clearly depicted. Their ability to transform feedback into an inspiring narrative was praised highly.
Tom Stratford expressed hope that the film prompts more people to contribute or volunteer their time towards this significant cause. His sentiments were mirrored by David Bunting, who highlighted the uniqueness of this campaign amidst the typical festive cheer, aiming to draw attention to those who often feel most isolated during this time.
This campaign shines a spotlight on the critical issue of loneliness among the elderly, urging communities to reflect and act.
