“When women come together, great things happen,” says Sarah Parry of Staffordshire Women’s Aid (SWA). This sentiment is the driving force behind a new collaboration between SWA and Tinker Taylor, a female-led production company. Together, they have created a powerful film commemorating 50 years of SWA’s impactful work across Staffordshire. Filmed at the Black Country Living Museum and the historic Shire Hall, the movie journeys through SWA’s five-decade legacy, underscoring the poignant message: “We hope we don’t need to exist in another 50 years. But we will always be here to help as long as we are needed.”
From the Miners’ Strike to National Lockdown: Tinker Taylor and Staffordshire Women’s Aid unite for 50th Anniversary Film.
Discover the Journey Behind Our 50th Anniversary Film
We are thrilled to share a special short video featuring Sam Taylor, Founder of Tinker Taylor, and Chris Paine, Creative Producer at Media Trust. In this insightful video, Sam and Chris discuss the incredible journey and collaboration that brought our 50th anniversary film to life.
A Milestone in Advocacy and Support
Founded during the women’s movement in the 1970s, Staffordshire Women’s Aid (SWA) was established in 1976 by a dedicated group of women with a single room and an unwavering drive to help others. When approached by a not-for-profit agency, Media Trust, and the Santander Foundation to create a film celebrating SWA’s journey, Sam Taylor (founder) and Jack Huges (director) at Tinker Taylor eagerly embraced the opportunity. Their aim was to capture the essence of this powerful story in a concise, 3-minute film.
Sam Taylor shared, “It was an honour to be part of such a meaningful project. SWA’s history and ongoing impact deserve to be celebrated and highlighted.”
As a production company specialising in impactful storytelling through film, Tinker Taylor found the partnership with SWA incredibly natural. After just one meeting, the concept of a ‘journey through 50 years’ was established. This idea developed into a narrative intertwining historical events, such as the miners’ strike and the turn of the millennium, with personal stories of SWA’s resilience, hardship, and hope.
Chris Payne, Creative Producer at Media Trust, facilitated the partnership between SWA and Tinker Taylor. Chris shared, “From the moment I connected with Tinker Taylor, the project took off smoothly. Their dedication and vision brought the story of Staffordshire Women’s Aid to life, making it a project that truly resonates with the local community.”
This project is a testament to the kindness and generosity of all involved. Local vintage groups provided period-specific wardrobe, vintage car enthusiasts from across the Midlands contributed cars for each decade, and an incredibly talented cast and crew dedicated two days to create the powerful film. This is to name a few! There were also locally sourced props, camera equipment, photography, vintage TVs, and more, often donated by women who had either used SWA or knew someone who had. This film is a true culmination of talent and heart from people across the West Midlands, all coming together to support a fantastic charity.
Photo Credit: Helen Overmire Photographer
Photo Credit: Becky Ryan Photography
The Importance of Film in Charity Work
This project celebrates past achievements and is a vital tool for future advocacy. As Sarah Parry highlights, “This film is a powerful medium to communicate our journey and the ongoing need for our services. It is both a celebration and a call to action, reminding the community of the importance of our work.” Staffordshire Women’s Aid continues to be a lifeline for many, with a 24-hour helpline and refuge services available for anyone who needs support.
The charity invites the community to watch the film, share it widely upon its launch, and support its mission in any way possible. Donations can be made via the SWA website; those interested in volunteering can also find more information there.
Event and Viewing Information
The film’s premiere will be held on the 25th of November 2024, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls. A candlelit vigil will be held annually in Stafford, where the names of women killed in the UK in the last 12 months are read out, followed by a minute of silence in remembrance. A panel discussion featuring the filmmakers and representatives from Staffordshire Women’s Aid will then be held. For those unable to attend, the film will be available online on the SWA and Tinker Taylor websites.