Share your story

Why your story is important

Real stories, in people's own words, are very important to charities like Shine as they help us explain to donors, funders, other Shine Members and potential Shine Members - anyone who is curious about Shine's work - what we do, and why people look to us for support. We use stories in a variety of ways, such as:

Informative publications such as our information leaflets about the conditions or the charity.
Promotional materials, such as our fundraising publications.
Cases for support, such as applications to funding bodies like charitable trusts.
Online on our website and social media platforms.
External advertisements, such as press releases, TV news, or via another agency who may be promoting Shine or the conditions.
Internal use only, such as training materials.

Your story, your choice. Your consent for us to share your story will last for three years from the date on this consent form, but if you change your mind let us know and we will stop using it immediately. If you have any questions at all, get in touch with your Support & Development Worker, Fundraising support, or contact us here.

Your details

First name

Last name

Phone

Is this story for a young person aged under 18 years old?

Yes

How long may we use your story?

3 years1 year (we recommend this for young people under 18 years old)

Would you like to be kept anonymous?

Please note - we suggest all young Shine members aged under 16 years old are anonymous to protect their privacy and allow them to choose what parts of their experiences are public as they grow up.

Please DO NOT use my real name, my image or include my general location when sharing our story.You MAY use my first name. You MAY NOT use my image or include my general location when sharing my story.You MAY use my first name and include my general location. You MAY NOT use my image when sharing my story.You MAY use my first name, my image and include my general location when sharing my story.

I consent to the use of what I have shared in this form to help grow Shine's public profile, raise awareness of spina bifida, hydrocephalus and associated conditions, and raise funds that make Shine's services possible.

Signature:

Young person's signature (if aged 8+):

Parent/Carer's signature:

Your story with Shine

1. How and why did you first connect with Shine?

Parent/carers - how did you first encounter Shine? What form did the contact take? What did you need at that time, and where Shine able to help? Young member - what is your first memory of being involved in Shine?

2. How has being a member of Shine made a difference to your life?

What ways do you interact with Shine and other Shine members today? Is there a particular example of a way Shine has been able to help when you needed us that you would like to share?

3. Can you finish the sentences below?

Please feel free to answer as many or as few as you would like to, and leave blank any you do not wish to answer or that do not apply to your circumstances.

"What I wish more people understood about my daily life is ..."

"What has changed through working with Shine is ..."

"To me, being a member of Shine means ..."

"What I enjoy most about meeting other Shine members is ..."

"Shine has helped me when ..."

"The most important thing I get from being a Shine member is ..."

"What I have learned as a member of Shine is ..."

"What Shine offers that other organisations do not is ..."

"I hope that you support Shine's work because ..."

4. Is there anything else you would like to share with us about Shine's work and our role in your life?

Would you like to add photos or video?

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us!

Contact Information