Creating soap operas

What is this method?

Why use this method?

• ✓ Makes discussion fun and relatable

• ✓ Uses familiar TV format

• ✓ Encourages creativity

• ✓ Explores real-life situations safely

• ✓ Builds group collaboration

• ✓ Creates natural discussion

• ✓ Allows sensitive topic exploration

• ✓ Captures lived experiences

When to use it

• Daily life experiences

• Local community issues

• Transport experiences

• Employment aspirations

• Relationships

• Housing situations

• Service use

• Social inclusion

• Independence

• Future hopes

Running a session

What you'll need

Essential materials

• Character templates

• Plot planning sheets

Support materials

• Communication aids

• Visual soap examples

• Break cards

• Recording equipment

• Sensory items

Session structure

1. Preparation (20 minutes)

• Set up creative space

• Arrange materials

• Prepare examples

• Check accessibility

• Create quiet space

2. Introduction (15 minutes)

• Discuss favorite soaps

• Show example characters

• Explain local setting

• Set ground rules

• Form small groups

3. Creating the soap (60-90 minutes)

Step 1: Setting up

• Choose soap name

• Decide on location

• Identify key places

• Create basic world

Step 2: Character creation

• Select/draw characters

• Give them names

• Create backgrounds

• Develop relationships

• Define needs/support

Step 3: Plot development

• Create storylines

• Include daily life

• Add challenges

• Show solutions

• Include services

Making it accessible

Activity adaptations

• Use photos instead of drawing

• Record ideas verbally

• Create digital versions

• Use role play

• Make video clips

• Create comic strips

Support methods

• Picture banks

• Story templates

• Character cards

• Plot guides

• Scene suggestions

• Relationship maps

Story prompts

Character development

• "Who lives in our soap?"

• "What support do they need?"

• "Who helps them?"

• "What are their dreams?"

• "What makes them happy/sad?"

Plot ideas

• Daily routines

• Using local services

• Making friends

• Finding jobs

• Using transport

• Living independently

• Accessing community

• Overcoming challenges

Example themes

1. Transport story

• Bus journey experiences

• Meeting other passengers

• Transport challenges

• Solution finding

• Community support

2. Employment plot

• Job searching

• Interview experiences

• Workplace support

• Success stories

• Future careers

3. Independent living

• Housing choices

• Daily living skills

• Support needs

• Community involvement

• Personal achievements

Recording the stories

During session

• Photograph artwork

• Note key discussions

• Record storylines

• Capture quotes

• Document themes

After session

• Create story summaries

• Share appropriately

• Use for service planning

• Celebrate creativity

• Show impact

Success tips

1. Keep it local

2. Use real places

3. Include familiar services

4. Balance reality/fiction

5. Welcome all ideas

6. Create positive endings

7. Celebrate diversity

8. Show achievement

Common themes to watch for

Service experience

• What works well

• What needs improving

• Gaps in provision

• Good practice examples

• Support preferences

Community life

• Local facilities

• Social connections

• Access issues

• Inclusion opportunities

• Community support

Extension ideas

Topic focus

• Transport use

• Healthcare visits

• Education experiences

• Work situations

• Housing options

• Social activities

Creative additions

• Film short scenes

• Create theme tune

• Design TV guide entry

• Make promotional poster

• Write episode guide

• Create character profiles

Making use of stories

Key learning

• Service improvements

• Training materials

• Good practice examples

• Development planning

• Strategy evidence

Sharing options

• Create display

• Make booklet

• Film scenes

• Present to services

• Share with peers

Additional resources

• Character templates

• Plot guides

• Story starters

• Local information

• Service details

• Discussion prompts