About this project

Older people in Leeds have stories to tell. This is the place to tell them. Stories of our lives, memories of our city, stories about how we have coped with adversity. Stories to make you laugh, to move you, to make you think. All kinds of stories from all kinds of older people in Leeds.

Initially conceived as a film-based storytelling project by Mojo Film (as a project of our Time to Shine programme), the idea swiftly moved to magazine format in response to the Coronavirus crisis. It has continued due to its popularity.

Through a network of more than 60 distributors, Shine Magazine is delivered personally to almost 5,000 older people in Leeds (including those living in 16 care homes), who are at risk of social isolation and loneliness.

Magazine content is generated through partnerships with Leeds City Council, the 34 Neighbourhood Network Schemes across Leeds, and other third sector organisations.

Read the latest edition of Shine magazine.
See all previous editions of Shine Magazine.

The project aims to –

• Help older people feel connected within their community
• Offer a space for them to contribute their stories
• Deliver a mixture of features with different opinions
• Pull together memories of our city’s past, life-stories and health tips
• Give people the chance to read something entertaining and informative
• Support the development of a network of older, creative writers.

Shine Magazine relies on partners and individuals to provide stories and other content – we’re always looking for stories, handy tips, jokes, artwork, poetry, memories and more. If you’re an older person or someone supporting an older person who might want to share their story, please get in touch with Shine editor Tom Bailey – simply email him at tom@mojofilm.co.uk